In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Introduction:
This is December, the year is leaving us speedily, yet we must thank God who has brought us thus far in it. And, at this time of the year, it is incumbent upon all deep thinking men to soberly reflect on all of God’s mercies received, and to celebrate the Lord.
In particular, the year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most precarious years in recent times. Nevertheless, God’s mercy has preserved us (Numbers 31:29; Isaiah 47:8b). We must, therefore, acknowledge Him in the center of our preservation, and honor Him from the bottom of our hearts like never before.
Indeed, the discipline of thanksgiving is one which every child of God should imbibe and master very well. Most times, God wants to step into our situations, but our attitude of thanksgiving is the raw material that will create the necessary atmosphere for His intervention.
Appreciation is the vehicle for acceleration. Gratitude is the lift to greater altitude. Praise is a major gateway to boundless blessings. Yes, it is perfect praise that provokes supernatural perfection. And, to see what God will yet do in your life, you must acknowledge what He has done already.
When you thank God for the manifestation of His finger in your situations, you will see His hand. When you celebrate His hand, you will see His outstretched arm. In life, it is joyous thanks that guarantees a gracious future.
David was a man who became everything most men would like to be: happy, highly favored, anointed, victorious, blessed, prosperous, kingly, wise, irrepressible, successful, yet alive in the memories of men etc. But we must keep it in mind that the only higher qualification that David possessed above most men was his readiness to praise God and give Him thanks in everything.
As of a lifestyle, David composed many songs to admire God, and he sang them to express his calm judgments about God’s eternal goodness. And it paid off, handsomely.
Friends, it is time for us to put on our Davidic garments of praise, and purge ourselves of every contrary attitude. Perhaps, God has heard your voice in prayers, let Him now see your heart of genuine thanksgiving.
Give Thanks In All Circumstances
If we only look well, we can always find something to be thankful for all around us. God is with us in whatever befalls us. No matter what we face, God’s goodness and mercy will never leave us. In fact, sometimes, He even prepares blessings for us in the middle of hard seasons.
There are reasons why we ought to be thankful always, even in those dispensations which appear dark and frowning. There is a silver lining to every cloud, and without God's gracious intervention, any bad situation could have been worse.
A mistake is not always a mistake. Moreover, what seems adverse and good-for-nothing is really not so: “... all things work together for good to them that love God ....” (Romans 8:28). Besides, our expressions of thanksgiving in all situations constitute a higher form of prayer of faith (Philippians 4:6). But these truths aren’t always easy to remember, which is why giving thanks matters.
"In everything, give thanks”? Yes, some things are just too awful, and so unpalatable to give thanks for. But, happily, God didn’t say we should give thanks for everything, but in everything.
Shall we thank God in the good and happy times only, and then question Him if “somewhat awful” times befall us? Of course not! We should always be grateful to God.
Thanking God is His Will for Us
The Bible says giving thanks to God in everything is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. In other words, God wants us to still trust Him, and even give Him thanks when things look completely hopeless. Why? This is what He is pleased to require us to perform in the name of the Lord Jesus.
In the gift of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, God laid the foundation for His demands for our joyous thanksgiving, and we should ever be mindful of it, just as Jesus Christ Himself left for us glowing examples in this respect (Hebrews 13:15; Matthew 15:36; Luke 10:21; John 11:41).
Life is a mixture of rainfall and sunshine, hard times and good times, pain and pleasure. Why? Sometimes, it takes troubles to prepare us for our next levels. You don’t always grow in the good times, but you certainly grow and stretch in the tough times.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel, and there is no cloud that can forever prevent the sun from shining. Let’s learn the great wisdom in seeing God through the interludes of life, and thanking Him in every situation around us. No matter your situation, smile, pray and thank God always.
The Highest Expression of Faith!
Thanksgiving is the highest expression of faith. It acknowledges the hand of God at work, even in the midst of things that are awful. Faith looks past the obvious and see the actual. It goes beyond what is seen, and sees Him who is invisible working all things after the counsel of His will.
Our difficulty comes from the fact that we tend to judge things from our limited human perspective. God wants to lift our vision to a higher and broader place, where we may see things as He sees them, and once this happens, everything changes. We no longer gripe and complain, but rather give thanks.
The Supernatural Essence of Thanksgiving
It takes praise and thanksgiving to move the Hands that move the world (Mark 6:22-27). Whereas faith pleases God, it is praise that moves Him into action (Acts 16:25-26). Hence, a right attitude of praise enhances supernatural manifestation and attracts surprising victory (2 Chronicles 5:13-14; 20:1-25). Indeed, your efforts bring optima yields when sustained with praise.(Psalms 67:5-7).
Furthermore, as it is obvious in the story of the ten lepers, thanksgiving makes whole (Luke 17:11-19). Whatever you thank God for receives the peculiar touch of God to make you enjoy more of His covenant power (Matthew 15:33-38).
As you go through the last few days of this year, recognize also and appreciate the people who have been of immense assistance to you, one way or the other - through thoughtful words, kind deeds and invaluable prayer support.
In conclusion, gratitude helps us focus on the only One who is able to turn our problems around for His glory and our good. So right now, thank God for all He has done in your life.Rejoice in the Lord, be thankful and stay blessed. Happy Sunday.
- Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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