In 1st Thessalonians 5:18, we are told to be thankful in all circumstances, for a particular circumstance in which we may find ourselves, whether good or bad, may be the will of God for us who belong to Christ Jesus.
Giving thanks to God is one simple attitude which can push us to higher altitudes. But it is also a very difficult thing to do for many of us. Although we know it’s positive returns for us, the devil always makes it difficult for us to cultivate this attitude. So, anytime we go before God in prayer, you will notice that the devil often fills our thoughts with our needs and other bogus distractions, so that we thank God less and speak more eloquently about our needs.
Also, though it should be easy to be thankful when our expectations are met and though it is easy to be thankful when we receive blessings, the devil makes our achievements and blessings seem normal, such that we tend to see how our own efforts brought our success more than the hand of God. In this regard, we do not thank God much, even when all is well with us.
Now the Bible tells us to give thanks in all situations, whether good or bad. The question, however, is, how can a human being who cannot even thank God much when things are going on well, give thanks in times of disappointment and trouble? It won’t be easy, but the bigger problem is that we are generally deficient in thanksgiving simply because we tend to be ignorant of the strategies of the devil that make us oblivious to the huge blessings of cultivating the attitude of thanksgiving.
When things are going well, let us thank God that this is His will (not our efforts) for us. Similarly, when things do not go the way we want, when we face disappointments, trials, and challenges, the Bible tells us to still give thanks to God, for these are also the will of God for us.
As humans, it is normal to feel disappointed when our expectations are not met and when we fall into pain and challenges. But we must also know that, so long as the difficult situations are also part of God’s will for us at certain times, they may be intended for our own good. In other words, if temporary pain and disappointments can also be part of the will of God for us, then we must give thanks when we experience them. This points to our spiritual maturity and paves the way for God to do better and greater things in our lives after our trials.
It is a great act of faith and a demonstration of complete trust in God when we thank God, especially when we feel disappointed and when our expectations are not met. Such a demonstration of faith and trust in God can not go unnoticed and unrewarded by God.
In fine, thanking God in all situations has the following benefits: First, it is one simple act of obedience to God. Secondly, it is an act of faith that moves the hand of God to bless us and lift us out of our difficulties. Third, it brings us closer to God and gives us peace. Fourth, it makes us calm and gives us joy even in the midst of adversity. Moreover, it makes us humble in not attributing any success to ourselves and not arrogantly blaming God for our woes. Furthermore, it helps us stay positive as it helps us not to wallow in our difficult situations when we are openly practising thankfulness. Also, giving thanks defeats Satan’s lies, especially in times of trouble.
But as indicated earlier, in spite of what it brings to us, we can easily evade thankfulness by the orchestration of the devil and lose its benefits. Let us be mindful, watchful and be deliberately thankful at all times especially when it doesn’t humanly make sense to do so. For this would move the hand of God in our favor.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0