I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High (Psalm 7:17).
We are called to give thanks. This I know. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
I know giving thanks is good. It pleases the Lord. It’s fundamental.
Yet sometimes it’s hard. So much may be going wrong that it eclipses everything I’m thankful for.
It’s hard in those seasons to see past all the bad or the trials or the attacks. I have to take thoughts captive and I just don’t have it in me.
And I might forget — so caught up in my negative circumstances or thoughts as I am — that I need to call out to Jesus.
Or the need to call out might be an overshadowed vague thought or remembrance.
Or, honestly? I may not want to call out to Jesus. Am I alone in that?
Sometimes, I get so frustrated with the spiritual battle, or angry that I’m in a battle at all. I feel sorry for myself. I feel indignant and self-righteous and in some strange way, I want to hang onto my rights.
I don’t want to be thankful because in those seasons, I’m not thankful.
But soon — hopefully sooner than later — the Holy Spirit leads me, taps on the door of my heart, reminds me of what Jesus has taught (John 14:26).
“Humble yourself,” He speaks.
“Call on the name of Jesus, your Savior.
Praise His Name.
Give thanks.”
And if I do humble myself, I know. I know Jesus is commanding His angels concerning me in the midst of the battle.
I know my God is worthy of praise simply because He is.
I know to give thanks. I give thanks in all things, for all the specifics in my life. And even if I’m having a hard time with that and not seeing it, I still give thanks.
I give thanks according to His righteousness. And that’s enough of a reason, no matter my circumstances. And I will sing praise to the Lord Most High.
And in that, I stand firm in the battle. In that, I will come through that battle not burned or drowned. In that, I will bless my God and be blessed.
August 20, 2021 at 8:43 am
I am like this also…sometimes overcome by my thoughts, and it becomes hard to give thanks and praise. But you are right…God deserves our worship, gratitude and praise just because He is who He is. When we acknowledge Him, and give thanks, it opens the floodgates of praise.