Praise Ye The Lord!

What kind of person are you? Would your family & friends describe you as a person of gratitude or as a grumbler, a complainer?

Do they see a thankful heart being formed in you, or do they see your heart growing harder day by day? Remember, before we can become a thankful citizen of God's Kingdom, we must recognize God's help in our life.

II. WE NEED TO PRACTICE THANKING GOD IN EVERY SITUATION

Secondly, we need to practice thanking God in every situation. The apostle Paul wrote, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

The Apostle Paul faced some terrible situations in his life that could have turned him into a bitter old man. But they didn't! Listen to what he said:

"Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night & a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move.

"I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; & in danger from false brothers.

"I have labored & toiled & have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger & thirst & have often gone without food; I have been cold & naked." (2 Cor. 11:24-27)

But despite it all, Paul also said, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Again Paul said, "I know what it is to be in need, & I know what it is to have plenty.

"I have learned the secret of being content in any & every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13)

If we're going to be able to give thanks in every situation then we must begin giving thanks now.

III. EVERY DAY LOOK FOR THINGS FOR WHICH TO BE THANKFUL!

Thirdly, every day we must look for things for which to be thankful.

ILL. Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful.

One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought, "The preacher certainly won't think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this."

Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, "We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this." (Daily Bread, August 26, 1989)

We need to be more like Alexander Whyte & start looking for things for which to be thankful.

I'm thankful that I was able to go to sleep last night. I'm thankful the Lord gave me the strength to get out of bed this morning.

I'm thankful for a voice to praise Him because I have experienced times when I had no voice. I'm thankful I can read & spend time marveling at His Word.