Lord, Teach Us To Pray, pt 4

Thanksgiving is not only reflected in our words, but also in our attitude, countenance, and behavior. IOW, thanksgiving is not just what we say, but how we live! We must ‘give thanks in all circumstances’ and live like we’re thankful!

Paul doesn’t suggest gratitude as a good idea. He commands it: Give thanks in all circumstances. He doesn’t say, “Give thanks when life is smooth.” He doesn’t say, “Give thanks when the blessings are obvious.”  Or “Give thanks when you get what you want.” He says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Gratitude shifts our focus (like adoration and confession). It turns our eyes from what we lack to what we have, from what has gone wrong to what God has made right, from what we cannot do, to what God has done!