Main Text
Psalms 138:1-8
Watchword
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
John 11:41 NKJV
Thanksgiving is not an action nor is it an emotion. It is a state of awareness , of heightened consciousness of the goodness of God. Thanksgiving is a kingdom perspective that allows us to fully possess our inheritance through gratitude and brings us into a manifestation of who God is in us and for us. Murmuring and complaining only magnify the problem. Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is the language of faith which pleases God. I am not saying that we give thanks for the problems we have. No, we thank God that He is our answer and that He has already given every blessing to us (Ephesians 1:3).
Jesus gave thanks before He fed the multitudes. There was plenty of food left over (John 6:11-14). Jesus turned a “not enough” situation into a “more than enough” situation by giving thanks. We do not give thanks for bad things happening, but we do thank God for delivering and protecting us, and showing us His goodness. Embracing an attitude of thanks is pleasing to God because it is God’s will for us to give thanks in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We can be thankful regardless of the situation.
Thanksgiving precedes a new era, a new beginning. If you want a new era of miracles, signs and wonders, then begin with thanksgiving (Luke 22:19-20). Thanksgiving and praise puts challenges in perspective by reminding you just how powerful your God is. He is the creator of all the world and the universe and nothing is beneath His notice. If God is in your corner, how can you lose?! (Psalm 8:1).
Thanksgiving and praise focuses your mind on the right subject by helping you to refocus your attention on the God who is greater than every challenge, one who had all the answers to your troubles.
Confession
Heavenly father, I thank you because I know that Your peace will rule in my heart for the rest of my life, for you have called me to live a life of peace.
Prayer
Oh Lord, teach me to be thankful at all times knowing that you are with me. Amen.
Additional Reading
1 Chronicles 29:13
Luke 10:21-24.