FRIDAY, 11TH APRIL, 2025
STAY IN GRATITUDE – Pastor Chris
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
This verse, given by the Spirit through the apostle Paul, is one of the simplest, yet most profound instructions in the Word of God. He says, “In everything give thanks.” This means, no matter what happens, stay in gratitude; maintain a grateful heart. Thanksgiving is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. If you’ve ever said, “Lord, I want to do your will,” here’s a straightforward way to do just that: give thanks in everything.
It sounds simple, but how well have you practised it? Thanksgiving is how you position yourself to see the manifestation of God’s power at work in your behalf. Depression, frustration and confusion have no place in the life of one who consistently gives thanks. When you understand the principle of thanksgiving, you’ll never allow circumstances to dictate your joy.
Nothing can frustrate you when you’re always full of gratitude to the Lord. If you lose money, give thanks. If you lose your job, give thanks. If your car is stolen, give thanks. Before taking any step, give thanks. Why? Because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus! Even if a contract you were awarded suddenly got revoked, give thanks because your source is not the contract or any human system. Your source is the Lord. When one door closes, it only means a bigger one is about to open.
Thanksgiving keeps your focus on God’s sovereignty and provision, not on the challenges before you. So even if your business partners or associates tell you they can no longer fulfil their part of an agreement, respond with gratitude, knowing God has something greater in store for you.
Everyone who blesses you is in turn blessed by God. This means that when someone gives to you or does good for you, they position themselves for a blessing from God. Therefore, remain in thanksgiving and trust God to keep you in a state of perpetual abundance. No matter what you face, stay in gratitude, knowing that God’s will for you is perfect and leads to glorious outcomes. Ephesians 5:20 says, _*“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hallelujah!
PRAYERDear Father, in every circumstance, I choose to give thanks, knowing that your plans for me are always for good. I refuse to allow frustration, confusion, or depression to have any place in my life. My heart is continually filled with gratitude, and I walk in the manifestation of your blessings every day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth.
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 12:49-59 & Judges 10-11
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 1:14-28 & Leviticus 11
