Release Your Burdens Through Giving Thanks

What we focus on grows. When you focus on your troubles they tend to grow out of proportion, but you can release your burdens by learning to give thanks.  #Biblestudy #restandrelease #WomensBibleStudy #GoodMorningGirls

Give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

What we focus on grows.

If we focus on our troubles – they will grow.

Recently I had something really eating at me.

I thought and thought about it and the more I thought about it – the bigger it grew in my head. I sat down and pounded out an email in response to the problem. Then I slept on it. The next morning, I reread the email I had written and realized the problem had mushroomed in my mind. I needed to let it go. So I deleted the email and my life is better for it.

Have you done this before?

Please say I’m not alone!

The minute I was busy doing other things and started thinking a different set of thoughts – the problem shrank and I decided to just give it to God in prayer and release it.

In 1 Thessalonians 5, we are told to rejoice always, pray without ceasing and then, in all circumstances – give thanks.

After we are done singing and praying…

It is God’s will that we live with a thankful heart in ALL circumstances.

Dear friends, no woman dreams of growing up and becoming a single mom. My circumstances are disappointing but when I give thanks to God for the many ways he has blessed me in my life, a grateful heart grows inside of me.

Singing, praying and giving thanks – belong together.

It is God’s will that we live our lives this way because God knows it is best for us.

Do not let your troubles grow and mushroom in your mind, instead let your singing, praying and gratefulness grow and watch how your burdens lift!!!

Reflection Question:

Let’s release our burdens through giving thanks together today!  

Please share some of the things you are thankful in the comment section below. 

I can’t wait to read them!

Walk with the King,

Courtney

38 Comments

  1. Courtney,

    First I must say I am grateful for your studies! They have taught me how to slow down and really chew on God’s word.

    I am also extremely thankful for my good health. My husband, Gary, has dealt with medical issues off-and-on since the age of four and has had six major surgeries, five of which have happened in the past seven years. Seeing what he has endured makes me praise God for the blessing of my excellent physical condition, especially as it allows me to be strong and care for Gary when needed.

    And thank you for this particular study, Courtney! I have been battling depression again this year, and I so needed these lessons about finding rest in God and remembering how much He loves me!

    With much love and many prayers,

    Donna

  2. Thank you so very much for this study and this post.

    I have been letting something eat at me since this spring. I prayed about it but didn’t truly release it until recently. You are definitely not alone!

    During the first week of this study I realized I was focusing on the wrong things and my priorities were out of whack. Today I am feeling more at peace than I have in awhile.

    You are such a special person and I appreciate you pouring out your story so that we may pour out ours too.

    God bless!

  3. I am thankful for YOU and this study! I needed this, and He knew it and He brought me to it.

    I look forward to this everyday and everyday that I read and write and pray and think about it all, I feel so much lighter and so much closer to God. I feel less anxiety and stress, I really am feeling released.

    THANK YOU!

  4. This is what I remember every day and it puts my burdens in their proper place, “I’m not in a wheelchair”. In the winter of 2015 I fell from a horse and burst my T12 and broke my sacrum in a couple of places. The early prognosis was that the shards had gone into my spinal column and were very close to the cord…if they moved to the cord itself I would be paralyzed. That didn’t happen. God saw a momma with 2 children that she needed to be able to care for and miraculously those shards adhered to the spinal column. So when I get upset and frustrated at what limitations I do have or what issue I have let blossom in my heart, I repeat to myself, “I’m not in a wheelchair” and everything is put into perspective and I more often than not, can release the issue and move on knowing God is firmly by my side and give thanks!

    1. Just before I read this I had something super burdensome on my mind and I decided to write a really long and annoying e-mail. Unlike you I didnt sleep on it and minutes before reading your post I sent it- now I realize I shouldnt have. I should have just given my problem to God who can do something-EVERYTHING about it. Your post has helped me breathe easy and release my problem to the One who knows how to fix it.
      Thank you Courtney for all that you do!!! God does great things through you.

  5. I am greatful for this study, lately I have been going through the most but each day reading the word of God gives me hope that whatever I am going through right now shall pass. It has thought me also to trust God with my troublesand to give thanks for all the goods things about my life

  6. I’m just grateful to God for being His child because of this no situation can put me down.God has the final say in my life.He has me in the palm of His hand.The fact that l don’t have to carry my burdens on my own but to release them to my Father’s care makes me grateful.l thank God for the peace He gives me even in the midst of difficulties.l’m grateful for being part of this study. Thank you Courtney for your timely bible study,God abundantly bless!!

  7. I am thankful for you, Courtney! You stand strong in Christ and is such an inspiration!
    I am also thankful for the trials and turbulence we had to face the past two years, because I stand in awe to realise that God speaks to me as well…I could see God WITH my husband, protecting him in a shooting incident and being with him in the most difficult day of his life! I could experience His presence! As I’m writing this the tears of gratitude are flowing because God is good and he will see us through!

  8. Thank you for this study. I have not been able to do it all but I have done what I can!
    It is true we have to concentrate on our blessings. My husband is unemployed at the moment, well he is a supply teacher and it seems like the schools can’t afford supply teachers at the moment because they aren’t given the funding! I have been a stay at home mum for so long that it is difficult to find work, so finance is an issue.

    However if I concentrate on that then the problem is so BIG! Like you I am busy making the most of the opportunities and counting the blessings that I do have and spending so much time with God in recent days is what is making the difference and keeping me sane. He is holding on to us and caring for us and we are relying on His provision day to day and He has blessed us so much. We have 2 grown up children who are a real blessing and He is constantly providing the pastoral support that we so need to cope. That way you see opportunities rather than a pit of despair.

  9. Thank you very much for this study, such beautiful things happen just now that I am busy with this study, today the question is, what are you grateful for. and I realize I can. I can be thankfull , I’m grateful for a lot while I could not do that, because of psychic pain, I did not see it for quite a while. but now I can be thankful again. it’s so special

    thanks to God.

    (maybe my english is not so good i’m dutch,)

  10. Thank you so much for this bible study. My mother has early onset alzheimer’s, it is very hard. But I give praise to an awesome God, who I give thanks to every day. My mother might forget almost everything but God has been good and she knows my sister, me, and her grandchildren. The only thing my mom prayed for when she was diagnosed was that she wouldn’t forget her children. God does answer prayers!!!

  11. I am thankful for where I am today….without the trials and trusting God I wouldn’t be who I am today without Him. I’m so thankful for this study, I love it and look forward to eat each session. Courtney, your an amazing women o God and your faithfulness shows. Love you girl.

    Blessings,
    Adrienne R

  12. Yes! This is so true. I recently started working part-time and I’m grateful for my new job! I love being around the people st work, and like you mentioned, when I’m working and “busy with my hands” I don’t dwell on things like I would as much before. I have a new set of priorities and purpose and the little stuff takes a back seat and doesn’t have room to grow into a bigger problem than it needs to be.

  13. You are not alone.I have changed what I wrote and am glad that I did it. My husband always says that everything looks better in the morning. Lamentations 3: 22 – 23 ” The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh every morning.” Thanks for truly sharing from your heart. It gives us all much needed encouragement. May the Lord bless you and your family and keep you’ll safe in His everlasting arms.

  14. Life is a rollercoaster and the world is my playground!! God loves us even when we don’t see it or believe it. Like you Courtney, I had to deal with separation only my ex threw me out of the house keeping everything including my underwear. I have three beautiful children he refuses me to have contact with. I remarried to a guy who put me through a similar situation on my God blessed me with cysts instead of pregnancies. I’m also a zebra (I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome) so life is physically painful for me as well. Still .. I smile. I laugh and I find a way to go on. I’m broken. I’m burdened. I’m hurt and sometimes sad beyond sad but I’m learning. I love God. I’m grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Most of all I am grateful God lead me to this group. You open my eyes to new understanding. My walk with God is less rough because of your teachings. Thank you for shining sush a bright light on our Savior.

  15. I’m thankful for peace. I’m thankful that I have a friend in Jesus. Im thankful that God will never leave me nor forsake me.

    I’m thankful for a loving God fearing husband. Im nmthankful for a healthy family and the resources and opportunity to stay at with my children and homeschool them.

  16. Courtney I’m thankful for your heart.
    Can I say this an not sound crazy? I am thankful for my MS diagnosis. I have never clung to my Father more and it feels SO. GOOD. and secure to be closer to Him. Now…He can go ahead and miraculously heal me. Kidding. But I wouldn’t say no! My prayer is that the kids look back and see God’s strength and peace pouring out of me, and this will bring about thankfulness in them as they go through their own lives! Ooo it’s getting me excited already!

  17. I am thankful for the season of life I am in. Instead of focusing on all my children being grown in college and being sad. I choose to focus on the upside, more time to spend with my husband, more time to sit and pour over God’s word and listen to His voice.
    I am thankful for friends who make me laugh and make life at work fun.
    I am thankful for this Bible study and how it has helped me grow and release the worries of things bothering me. I am thankful for this time of rest and how it has made me feel more alive.

  18. I’m grateful for this beautiful fall weather we are having in Ohio. I’m glad for my hard working husband, children, family and friends, health, a home and food. Online Bible studies to keep me focused at home and for my church. Keep your mind on what’s important and true and everything falls into the right perspective.

  19. I am thankful that God woke me up another day. Even though I am going through treatment for cancer I am grateful for God’s blessings. I have faith in Him that He has healed me. In James 5:15 (NKJV) it says, “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

    I pray you girls have a blessed day.

    Amelia

  20. I am thankful for difficult times, though I know that may sound strange. But it is in the difficult times that my faith grows. And having true faith in God is a true gift!
    When I was pregnant with my youngest, who will be 6 in January, I was told at any time in my pregnancy I could lose my baby due to some complications. For the first few months I wouldn’t give it to God, I wanted to have control, I was worried! But at around 20 weeks I finally and truly broke down, repented for not giving my worries and fears to God, for holding on to the control I so desperately thought I needed to have. And through that God gave me true peace. I finally realized what the Bible meant when it says the peace that passeth all understanding. I had that peace, even though I didn’t know what would happen with my baby. But in that difficult time, my faith grew tremendously. I am so very thankful for that difficult time, and for true faith and peace.

  21. Ha!!!! I needed this!!! This past weekend I was very worried about something that happened at work. I was “mushrooming!” This is EXACTLY what I needed to learn today. Thank you, Courtney

  22. Thank you for your inspired words, I needed them today! I’m convinced God speaks to me through the words of others because there’s so many times I read something and it is exactly the comfort or guidance I needed during a particular time/day. It happens quite often, so I would have to say I’m grateful that God speaks to us collectively as well as individually, I’m grateful He knows my heart and my worries and fears and dreams and that He loves me always no matter what. I’m so grateful that He hears and answers my prayers – even thought my prayers are hardly ever answered immediately nor directly, the answers do come and I think sometimes I’m not even aware of it until later. I’m grateful with all my heart that I can cry unto Him and tell Him about my hurt and frustrations and anxieties and He is there to comfort me, and I’m grateful for the peace that He gives me even during difficult times. That right there is pure gold to me, to be able to feel peace amidst the storms of life.

  23. This and today’s reading are just what I need. As I sit here in the hospital with my son. I’m letting his issues mushroom way out of control. I’m trying to fix them. This was the perfect reminder that I need to let go and let God. Now I feel at Peace.

  24. This is my first ever Bible study and I am so thankful for it. I have felt more at peace in these last few weeks than in the last five years where anxiety has consumed me
    Thank you. You are a blessing.

  25. I’m thankful that the Lord saw me fit to be adopted into his kingdom & family.
    I’m thankful for my Husband, kids & family. I’m thankful for this ministry that is increasing my knowledge, love passion,prayer life and all that is needed to know of about and in Christ.
    I’m thankful for being changed into the image & likeness of GOD daily as I spend time with him and in his presence.
    Thankful for a spirit of praise, the unconditionally love of Christ.
    Thankful that each day he blesses me to arise, I can see and expect new and different things of and about Christ that blows my mind.
    Thankful to be able to praise and worship God freely and willingly

  26. God knew I needed to read this today. I am on a new journey of taking care of my parents, and trying to find somewhere new to live. I have been overwhelmed for weeks now. To top it off my 22 year old son has decided to be a pain, which he has never been, he blow his paycheck this week and is acting disrespectful and just being a jerk. I know God is here but right now im smothering in these burdens. I know God knows what im going through and he is always there for me. Im letting go right now. Giving all this to God! Thanks for your wonderful encouragement.

  27. I am thankful for the Blue Ridge Baptist Church bus that picked me and my siblings up and took us to church when I was in 2nd grade. My parents were not believers -this was a Sunday break from the kids! The seed was planted and watered in those early years. Although I’ve fallen off the narrow path several times through the years…now at 50…reflecting…I am SO THANKFUL for the Lords love, grace, guidance, and forgiveness. His word has saved me, gotten me through many hard times.
    I am thankful Courtney that I found your online studies and your ministry to bring us closer in our walk with Christ. Thank you! I lift you and your family in prayer.
    “ We stand tallest and strongest on our knees”????
    ~ Charles F. Stanley

  28. Interesting how God had you on your path so this study would be ready for my path. Our paths are different, but this is just when I needed this study. Neat to see God’s hand in that.
    Psalm 55:22
    Psalm 56:3

  29. Thankful for you and this beautiful ministry! I started following you las year and enjoyed digging into your study while my morning coffee. Little did I know God was preparing me for a rajesh in my life. God brought our family through a devastating event this year and your study has helped me keep focused on him throughout. Cannot thank you enough!????????

  30. One thing I have surely discovered in this season of my life is God’s love for me. Never had I seen it or felt it as I do now. Through this study and woman’s class at my congregation his LOVE has shined the brightest when all along its been there. Thank you Lord for loving me like no other. I’m also thankful for my 3 children especially my 6mth old son who drives me crazy alot of the times ???? but, I just remember the unsettling season I went through during my pregnancy with him. I was at a high risk for miscarriage and was told by doctors to be prepared for an eventual loss. Thank you Lord because your plans are the ones that prevail. Also thank you Lord because you are allowing me to walk my faith on side of my husband. I’ve learned to release it to you and except it will be your time and way to make the changes in him and that will be for your glory not mine. I’m also thankful with God for internet. Through this useful resource can be so much garbage but God has allowed and gave courage to a woman named Courtney. Thank you God for having a beautiful plan in the life of Courtney especially through her trials for your honor and Glory.

  31. I am grateful for godly women like you, Courtney, who follow God’s leading and bless other again and again. I am grateful for His word that comforts me, guides me and fills me with joy. I’m also grateful that it is sunny today and going to be near 70 degrees.

  32. Hi Courtney!

    I am most thankful for my family, even though we are really struggling right now, my friends and my relationship with my Lord and Savior. I am also very thankful for your ministry, Courtney, and for the godly women who help you. Thank you for continuing this group, even during times of struggle and heartache for you. You are such a godly influence to us all.

  33. wow..
    never have truer words been spoken.
    I have a tendency to get anxious . if I think non stop about this or that, it only gets worse.
    then I give myself a big Duh ! 🙂 & remember my Lord is there, He didn’t leave me , I forgot Him. I let the evil one control my thoughts !

    some days I take a long walk praising Him & thanking Him for another day .
    I come in & read my morning bible devotions & then play hymns & sing my heart out.

    other days I go straight to my bible !
    I keep a prayer journal of sorts & always praise God for my blessings 🙂
    it’s good to re-read past entries & see just how the Lord has answered pray.

    THANK you for speaking to us honestly & with a Godly heart.

  34. Courtney,
    I am so thankful for you doing this study it has been a tremendous help in my life. I have never had such revelation on God’s word until I did SOAK. I have read these verses in the past, but don’t remember really learning and listening to God till now. My focus and perspective on how to live my life with rest and release is different. I am thankful for God’s Word, love, guidance, forgiveness, grace and mercy. I have been in trials and tribulations lately by I’ve learned to rest in God’s perfect love and don’t worry just give it to him. I pray that I will grow a lot closer to Him. I’m definitely going to continue to use SOAK in the future.

  35. I am thankful for this study. I have been struggling over a decision our family needs to make, and finally realized that our guidance comes from God and His way is perfect. I’m thankful for His Presence in my life and for His many blessings. I’m thankful for my family and the wonderful relationship we have one with another. God is good and we praise Him for His blessings in our lives.

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