Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18
According to God’s Word, (in all), there is no time, place, condition or circumstance, where giving thanks is an inappropriate response to God. Some might argue, ‘How about if something bad happens?’ Well, if we believe God, then we know that He will work all things for our good. Obviously, no-one likes bad things to happen, especially to them. But we can, by faith, be grateful to God - who makes everything beautiful in its time. This is the ultimate trust test - can we still give thanks, even with injustices? As God is working for our good, and we’re being grateful in spite of everything, good is working in us because…
GRATITUDE CHANGES OUR ATTITUDE…
”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Anxiety is common when we are fearful of what ‘might’ happen. This emotion negatively affects our attitude, because anxiety is negative (a real downer). But when we give thanks, it lifts our spirits, helping us to see who God is and all He has done, and will continue to do. Gratitude also helps us realize all we have, not on what we do not. Being grateful alters our mood, causing us to be humble children of God, rather than spoiled brats of the world. Gratitude actually sets us apart from the disgruntled.
…AS WELL AS OUR ALTITUDE.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” I Peter 5:6
To thank someone, places them in the higher position. It is giving them credit for doing something for us. This posture of humility allows God to lift us up. But the proud look to elevate themselves. They think they don’t need anyone’s help, and IF something is given them, well, they deserved it anyway. This is why I Peter 5:5 says, ‘God opposes the proud.’ But gratitude (the path to true humility), elevates its benefactors - those who bless them on earth and the one from Heaven who sent them.
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