Gratitude for Victory
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
I recently heard that anxiety and gratitude cannot coexist. Your brain can’t process both at the same time. For years, I didn’t value gratitude. It seemed a bit shallow with all this world's hardships, evil and pain. Recently, I noticed that the most spiritually mature people all had this in common—gratitude! Even in difficult times, they had gratitude. It’s almost like they had lived so long in gratitude and the goodness of God that they never got derailed in hardships, and even in the difficulties, they still never quit praising God. I’m not very good at gratitude, yet I don’t see it as optional. I see it as a growth area that will only deepen my faith. Anyone can complain. That’s easy, and giving false thanks is superficial, but a spirit of gratitude is key to a deep faith.
One way to grow gratitude is to start thanking God for your victory in Jesus through the power of the Spirit. Think about it: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego didn’t praise God after the fire but in it. If you wait to praise God until circumstances are perfect, you’ll wait a lifetime, but this is the day of gratitude right now! Nothing can separate you from God. Nothing, not even death, so what is there to fear?
Start praising God before you see the victory. Know it’s there, not because of you but because of Jesus. This makes verses like the one above possible. We’re to rejoice constantly because the victory’s won. God isn’t surprised by anything. Even when things don’t go as planned, He’s still working out good for us, so trust Him. Pray and draw near to Him. Give thanks for God’s goodness and love even when you can’t see or feel it. Remember, sometimes the victory won’t happen until you live out gratitude. God is drawn to faith that sees His goodness even when circumstances aren't ideal. Trust Him today!
Application: Praise God before the victory, not after.
Prayer: Ask God to help you walk with Him! Spend time thanking Him for the past, present and future victories. Thank Him for who He is and what He’s done!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?