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Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father. – Ephesians 5:20
As previously discussed in the chapter “Living in the Spirit,” a Christian should have an attitude of praise, gratefulness, and thankfulness to the Lord (Col 1:3; 3:16–17; Act 16:25; 27:35; Mat 15:36; 26:27; Mar 8:6; 14:23; Luk 2:38; 17:16; 22:17, 19; Joh 6:11, 23; Rom 14:6; 1Co 10:30; 11:24; 15:57; 2Co 2:14; 4:15; 1Th 5:18; 1Ti 2:1; Heb 13:15; Rev 4:9; 7:12; 11:17; cf. Psa 28:7; 30:11–12; 47:6–7; 61:8; 63:4–6; 71:23; 100:4; 103:1–2; 138:1; Rom 1:21), regardless of circumstances (Act 5:41; 16:25; Rom 5:3). For we have been redeemed from bondage to sin, Satan, and death and restored (born again) to newness in life. What a wonderful gift to receive, wholly undeserved! We should be forever mindful and grateful, daily thanking the Lord no matter what comes our way.1
Furthermore, a thankful and grateful heart is one of the greatest anxiety busters there is—because a thankful and grateful heart has no room for anxiety. You will find that the more you give thanks to the Lord, the less anxiety you will experience. See the example of the apostles in prison, who rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer for the name of Christ and the sake of the Gospel.2 Further, note that even in the midst of their extreme trials, tribulations, and suffering, both the apostle Paul and King David repeatedly gave thanks to the Lord.3 Our attitude before God also tells us a lot about where our heart, faith, and priorities are.4
CHAPTER PRAYER
O Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of today and the gift of Jesus who died for me on the cross so that I can have life and have it abundantly. Thank You for Your absolutely amazing love, forgiveness, peace, patience, kindness, compassion, mercy, grace, and slowness to anger. Thank You also for providing for me in ways that I don’t even realize. Father, help me have an attitude of thanksgiving for all that You have done and are still doing, for there is nothing good whatsoever in me. Help me remember that all good things come from above, from You. Help me retain this attitude even in dark and dangerous situations. In Jesus’ most holy name, I pray. Amen.
1 Note: A Christian is also a “cheerful giver” (2Co 9:7; cf. Luk 12:15–21), according to their own heart. → [Stumbling Blocks to Our Prayers]
2 → [The Apostles in Prison, The Heart of David]
3 → [The Sufferings of Paul]
4 → [Lessons from Job]
