When is it a Good Time to Say Thanks?
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)
It is always easy to say thanks when everything is going fine in our lives. During the difficult seasons, however, you find it hard to be thankful because, most times, saying thanks is only associated with the good times or when you are at the receiving end of something good.
Most people never associate thanks with the difficult seasons of their lives. But it is during those difficult seasons that growth and maturity take place, allowing one to morph from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are encouraged to be joyful, to never stop praying, and to be thankful in all circumstances, for it is God’s will for us. You may say, “Really! In ALL TIMES?” Yes! This can be very difficult to do, but with the help of the Holy Spirit (the Helper), you’ll be able to be thankful, irrespective of what season you are in. We need to remember that it doesn’t matter what is happening in our lives; God is always with us.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) says, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” This is a promise of God, and His Word is The Truth, He cannot lie. What He says He will do, He will do. He is not a man, so He cannot lie. He is real, my friend. Practise trusting in His promises and see how He will enable you to do all that you need to do.
I personally can testify that it was in my dark season that I grew tremendously in Christ. There were a lot of things I did not understand nor could I comprehend at that time. But the Holy Spirit helped me and gave me the strength to endure so that I can stand and share today, encouraging others to remain in Him. He will see you through.
So today, as I reflect on those seasons of my life, I can say thanks because I know where God has brought me from. Yes, whether you are experiencing an abundance of blessings or you are struggling in your life, you can give thanks to God, for He alone is worthy of all our praise and gratitude. He’s always working things out in your favour, so never stop thanking Him.
Read: 1 Chronicles 29:13; Psalm 69:30
Bible Reading Guide: Psalms 136:13-26; 1 John 2:12-27; Daniel 7; Daniel 8:1-14
