By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
TUESDAY
THEME: UNCEASING BLESSINGS OF THANKING GOD
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
REFLECTIONS
Did you know that God wants you to be still and give thanks in any situation you find yourself in? It is difficult humanly to do this in certain circumstances, especially unpleasant and painful ones. But God’s word is a fact. God’s word has a purpose and a meaning. God’s word never fails – every word carries a sense of victory. Even in worse scenarios, God can change times and seasons to the benefit of those who trust Him and thank Him. Little did Paul and Silas know that by being imprisoned, they could win a whole family to Christ and get them baptized the same day (Acts 15:30-34).
Sometimes, you have to fail to align with God’s purpose for your life. In such instances, you may be angry with even God, your family, and those in authority for what has happened. But if you pause and reflect, you will realize that life must continue, and if so, God must come into the equation. A heart that appreciates and thanks God will overcome anxiety. Some people need a prescription for good health. The prescription is what you find in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”
There is not a single day we do not receive the blessings and favor of God. Everyone, whether good or bad, righteous or wicked, believer or non-believer, is alive because God has preserved their lives. The non-believer is still sustained by God so that the Holy Spirit can work on them – to allow them to repent and to have life in Christ Jesus. This favor alone should elicit praise and thanksgiving that we are not destroyed. The psalmist recognized God’s mercies and wrote in Psalms 130:3-4, “[3]If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? [4]But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.” All these mercies must elicit praise and thanksgiving.
In his exaltation to the believers, Paul wrote: “[16]Rejoice always, [17]pray without ceasing, [18]in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. In reality, if you rejoice always because of the relationship you have with God and the hope that comes with it, you will have no cause to worry. If you continue to cultivate and keep the presence of God always through prayer, you will never walk alone. This provides you protection, less stress, and confidence to face life one day at a time. Let us cure depression with thanking God in every situation.
It is said: “If we cannot be thankful for everything, we can still be thankful for everything.” It is healthy to be cheerful. A heart full of thanks will promote health and build stronger relationships. Thanking God builds spiritual strength while expressing gratitude to others builds healthy relationships. Worthwhile social relationships enable families and societies to support growth and development. Cultivating the habit of saying thanks to God and others is an essential aspect of human life. Today, meditate on how you will consciously thank God and your fellow human beings.
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 88 – “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for life; thank Him for being with you in all situations; pray for Christ to be your ever-present companion in life;
– Pray for people who face dicey situations and find it difficult to thank God; pray for your family and Church members to be thankful to God;
– Pray for victims of war and disaster; pray for Christ’s soon return; pray to thank God for family, friends, and those who pray for you;
– Pray to thank God for the nation’s peace, for leaders who are models, and for employers who provide a source of livelihood for individuals and families.
