The Weekly Encourager – June 22, 2017 – Thankfulness

This week's post could be called Under the Influence, Part 2, because I'm sharing some Scriptures that should influence us in a positive way.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do you suffer from the sin of ungratefulness, complaining, murmuring, and whining? Do you cause others around you to suffer by your lack of thankfulness? If so, repent and read these Scriptures. It may be wise to memorize some of them. Our thoughts need to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and He is characterized by thankfulness.

Facing persecution and possible death, “Daniel...continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God.” - Daniel 6:10

David said, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” - Psalm 34:1

Paul encourages us to be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Ephesians 5:20

Again, “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17

Do you feel as if God owes you something? Have you been treated unfairly?  A Christian woman told me that, in her marriage, her husband had gotten a better deal than she had. I was so shocked I couldn't speak. Her evident pride in feeling superior to her husband in several ways, including spiritually, was a far worse sin than the faults she complained about in her husband. Lord, let me never think that my husband got a better deal than I did in our marriage!

“Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also, keep back your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me, then I will be blameless...” - Psalm 19:12-13

“By Him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually...” - Hebrews 13:5

Has God taken away something that you loved? Is He asking you to give up something or someone that your heart desires?

Job lost everything and everyone that was important to him, yet he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” - Job 1:21

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” - Psalm 37:4

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33

Note that no extenuating circumstances are given in any of these verses! There are no good reasons in the Bible to be ungrateful. There is no Scriptural support for any of us feeling like we have a right to complain about our lot in life. That's Satan whispering into our ear, or the world, or our own deceptive hearts. Of course there is a place for sharing our struggles with a selected few in a godly way, particularly in the context asking for prayer or wise counsel. But attitude is everything. Circumstances may humble us, but we fall on our knees and thank God still. He is good, He is wise, He is loving, He is fair. Never doubt who He is, and who we are before Him! In everything give thanks.

God is faithful,
j