READ:1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Some verses are easier to memorize than practice. If we could simply remove a word or two from these verses, God’s command would feel doable. Giving thanks is easy, but giving thanks in everything is a nearly impossible task.
Often gratitude seems our last choice, considering the depth of pain or turmoil we may be enduring. But we have a Comforter who helps us exercise thankfulness in every situation. The Holy Spirit helps believers to do what God requires, and part of His work involves teaching us a gratitude habit.
Psalm 92:1-2 tells us that since “it is good to give thanks to the Lord,”we ought to “declare God’s loving kindness in the morning, and His faithfulness by night.” In other words, we should regularly
anticipate and recall His provision. But when we are caught in painful circumstances that have no logical reason for thankfulness, our Comforter provides the motivation and words.
LEARN:
- Thanksgiving during turmoil takes place neither spontaneously nor apart from another
spiritual activity—prayer. - This passage links the disciplines of rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving: both praise of God and gratitude to God hinge upon regular communication with God.
- A prayerless man cannot remain thankful for long because he is too overwhelmed by his problems.
- Talking with God forces problems to recede so they can be replaced by peace.
QUOTE
“We have short memories in magnifying God’s grace. Every blessing that God confers upon us perishes through our carelessness, if we are not prompt and active in giving thanks.” John Calvin
ACTION
Spend a few minutes meditating during your prayer time. Ask the Spirit of God to reveal His presence and blessings amid your problems so you can do more than praise Him. You can understand Him!
P.S. Email someone you know about these devotionals. Invite them to join you as you follow after Jesus and become more like Him.