July 24

God expects our thanks, even when we can’t seem to fathom any reason on earth to feel thankful. This is essentially because we tend to be thankful for the transitory things of life rather than the unchanging, unspeakable Gift of eternal life that Jesus has purchased for us—to be thankful for God Himself.

We mean to be thankful, but because it is our circumstances that prompt or prevent our thankfulness, we are often without any gratitude in our hearts to lift in praise before the Throne of our Savior and King. This is at total variance with the admonition found in the Word.

I Thessalonians 5:16-19 says, “Rejoice and be glad continually and pray without ceasing, letting your hearts be thankful to God in everything; for this is the will of God for those of you who are in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Holy Spirit.” A few relevant aspects of thankfulness are pointed out here, and none of them are possible without the help of His Spirit. Thankfulness is prompted by joy in Him and prayer is to be continual.

Keeping our focus heavenward is a requisite to the joy that compels the prayer that keeps our line of communication with the Lord open. When we have obeyed in this admonition, accomplished only as we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, sincere gratitude to the Lord Jesus will follow. He dwells in our praise and there is power in praise, so it is to our great advantage to avail ourselves of the wonder of His might unleashed in our behalf through thanksgiving and praise.