A thanksgiving state of mind?
1st Thess. 5:16-18 NIV
16. Rejoice always, 17. pray continually, 18. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
You know thanksgiving is right around the corner and that’s when many people take survey of their life and their circumstances
And focus on the goodness of God and they stop and take time to make note of how much they have to be thankful for.
But what about the rest of the time?
You know except for Christmas and Easter,
The other 362 days of the year.
Isn’t what God is doing, for all of us the rest of the time worthy of continuous praise?
Are you, are we giving thanks every day, in every circumstance, like we should?
Sometimes its difficult to do as it says in Luke 10:27 to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, body and strength.
But the word clearly says to;
16. Rejoice always, 17. pray continually, 18. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
This might seem hard to do at times, especially when you are going through something trying or difficult.
You know what I’m talking about, one of those Why periods, you know when you question why, but it seems like there’s no answer,
Or at least not the answer your looking for, in the time frame you want it in.
But notice today’s verse doesn’t say to give thanks “for” everything, it says give thanks “in” everything.
Cause face it, there’s a lot of stuff in life that happens, that you wouldn’t wish on anyone.
And just because it happens, doesn’t mean we have to like it,
But we still need to trust God to see us through it and be thankful, that He does!
In other words, no matter what’s going on, we can all find something to be thankful for.
Don’t just focus on what’s wrong in your life; try focusing on whats right with your life for a change, try focusing on what God wants to do in your life.
What your wanting to take place, may not look like its happening, but that doesn’t mean Gods not working behind the scenes,
Moving mountain after mountain out of the path to your victory, clearing the way for your need to be met!
When you are thankful, it opens the door for God to move on your behalf, and there's no length He won't go for one of His own!
That’s why it says “this is God’s will for you.”
And even though sometimes its hard to be in the Lords will all the time, that’s where we need to strive to be.
Because the closer we are to His will in our life, the easier it is to receive His strength and power by giving thanks.
That’s why we should always have an attitude that says, “God, no matter what may happen,
I’m not going to moved by it, because i know, you are working all things together for my benefit,
So in spite of what’s happening, choose to be grateful and God will reward you for doing it.
That’s part of the diligence Hebrews 11:6 NKJ talks about;
6. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
At times its hard to remember, you may not see it happening in the natural,
but you should realize in the supernatural, things are a hopping, coming together just the way you want, if you could see them happening,
And your need won’t only be met by the Lord, but amazingly surpassed,
because He is an over the top, prayer answering God of to much!
That’s part of the prayer of faith, if we can have enough faith to ask Him for a need, large or small, to be met.
Shouldn’t we have enough faith to thank Him for doing it, as well!
During the creation part of our miracle, is when we should really be excited and pouring on the thanks to God.
Not that He needs any incentive, because He can do anything He chooses to do!
But, its when we praise Him for what He’s about to do, as if He has already done it, He enjoys it all the more.
He inhabit’s the praises of His people TBS.
Matt. 18:19-20 NKJ
19. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
20. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Well someone might say, I don’t have anyone to gather with, friend if you don’t have a prayer partner,
Jesus will be your prayer partner, He will be everything you need and more,
In fact, He would be the best prayer partner, His faith fed thousands, His faith moved mountains,
And when you combine your faith with His, everything becomes possible! Praise God!
That’s why our text is so good to get down in your spirit,
16. Rejoice always, 17. pray continually, 18. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
God gave us scriptures like this, because He knew, there would be times we would need them,
So we would focus on how big He was, instead of how big our circumstance seemed.
He knew we would need our batteries charged during the week, that once on Sundays would never be enough, to go all week long.
Our praise and worship should be an all the time thing, not just during a church service.
Will there ever be times when you won’t feel like praising?
Yes, but that’s when you put on a sacrifice of praise, that’s when your faith shines through and God is moved on your behalf!
You'll say Lord, I don't feel like praising today, but I'm going to praise You anyways, because I'm not moved by what I feel or see, I know I've got the Victor living in me! Praise God!!
that’s when the impossible becomes possible, in spite of how things look!
that’s when He brings rivers out of no where, to run through your desert of need
As you give thanks in everything, you will see God’s hand move more frequently and mightily on your behalf,
and you’ll come out of each difficulty better, stronger and wiser than before.
Psalms 1:3 NKJ
3. He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Jerm. 17:7-8 MSG.
7-8. “But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
the woman who sticks with God.
They’re like trees replanted in Eden,
putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
never dropping a leaf,
Serene and calm through droughts,
bearing fresh fruit every season.
16. Rejoice always, 17. pray continually, 18. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
When you are willing to do those things, that’s when you become like trees replanted in Eden,
putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through anything or any circumstance,
A thanksgiving state of mind, is all part of the peace that passes all understanding,
That God freely makes available to all His children, who choose to participate.
Amen? amen
