“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” – Psalm 118:8 (KJV)
Sometimes, the news may be bad.
In Daniel 6, where a decree was signed by King Darius that whoever petitioned any god or man for thirty days (other than him) shall be cast into a den of lions (this was orchestrated by those jealous of Daniel). What did Daniel do? Verse 10 says Daniel went home and continued to pray three times a day as he usually did, with his windows wide open, giving thanks to God. He knew the king signed the decree, but Daniel chose to obey God and give thanks to Him despite the consequences.
He was thrown into the lions’ den, but the God who Daniel worshiped, praised and prayed to (our God, Jehovah) shut the mouth of the lions. Do you see the pattern? Worship, praise, and prayer go with thanksgiving. Through his situation, Daniel’s God was magnified. The king published a proclamation that Daniel’s God was the living God whose kingdom will not fall and His (Jehovah’s) rule is eternal (Verses 26-27).
As we continue to go through our challenges, pains, and difficulties, whatever the situation may be, God expects us to trust Him and give Him thanks. He is there with us, fighting on our behalf. He will not only remain with us but will shut the mouths of the lions (enemies) in our situations. The songwriter said, “If I never had a problem, how would I know that God can solve them”. God wants to show us who He is as we give thanks, even in the bad times. He wants us to persevere with thanksgiving so that He can be magnified. He wants us to go through with gratitude, for it is out of grateful hearts that praise and thanksgiving will flow.
So, even in the midst of the battle, give thanks. Jehoshaphat positioned the worshippers to begin singing and praising the Lord before actually going into battle – 2 Chronicles 20. The Israelites were victorious without lifting a sword. God was magnified! He worked on their behalf as they went forth in praise and thanksgiving.
As we give thanks in our prayers, let’s turn our eyes away from ourselves and focus on God and His goodness. We will then see Him working things out on our behalf, seeing Him for who He is.
Let us give thanks in everything, for this is the will of Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, I come to You with thanksgiving in my heart, Thanking You for Your goodness and Your mercies that are new every morning. Father, I pray for grace so that I may always have an attitude of gratitude in everything. Help me to give thanks in the good times and also in the bad times. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 2 Chronicles 20:21-22
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 129; James 3; Ezekiel 36; Ezekiel 37
