Echoes of Truth
February 9th
Theme: Gratitude is God’s Will
God is in control, and therefore in EVERYTHING I can give thanks – not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it. –Kay Arthur
Apostle Paul’s admonition to us to give thanks in everything helps us identify easily what the will of God is. We may not be clear on the will of God with so much certainty at every given situation but on this one thing, God’s mind is clear, God’s will is affirmed- Give thanks in everything! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Giving thanks in all things is a direct command of scriptures, it is God’s will for us without any shadow of doubt. Irrespective of how we feel, we are mandated to give thanks for all things and in all things.
This command is not dependent on our emotions but our will being yielded to the will of God. We give thanks not because we feel like giving thanks but because it is how we should live as children of God, those who have traded their self-will for God’s will.
It is important to understand that our intentional obedience to doing the will of God through our incessant thanksgiving is a heartfelt recognition of God’s sovereignty in all situations and circumstances. It is an acknowledgement of our submission to God’s rulership over our lives and its affairs.
We tell God that we are but His subjects and He can do or permit with our lives what aligns us with His eternal purpose here on earth. We say to Him, ‘As Your Lordship pleases. Be it unto me as You will’. Such utterances come from a mouth that trusts that God is perfect and His will is just and true (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:30; Revelation 15:3).
The Bible says in Colossians 3:17 ‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ This verse calls us to recognise that everything and situation about our lives calls us to the place of thanksgiving to God to bring Him glory.
This is a litmus test for all our words and actions, situating Jesus at the centre of it all makes it easier for us to submit to God’s will of being thankful at all times and in everything. If we do and say everything by the name of Jesus with thanksgiving, complaining, comparison and compromise would not be found in us.
When we pray, we say ‘Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10), thanksgiving is the will of God that must be done on earth by all of God’s creation. Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, our prayers are not complete without thanksgiving. The psalmist also said that we enter into God’s presence with thanksgiving and His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4)
Sisters, make it a habit to give thanks to God everyday and in all circumstances. It takes us deeper in God to understand His mind and do His will. May God give us grace to submit to His will of being thankful in everything, in Jesus name. Amen
Listen to this short sermon and be blessed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=AtnIKLxollo
Let Us Pray:
Abba Father, we thank You for not keeping us in the dark, thank You for revealing thanksgiving to us, which is Your will. We ask for mercy Lord, in all the ways we have followed self-will over Your will. We pray Lord that You keep us thankful all the days of our lives. Take us to the level where thanksgiving is first nature to us. Let there be nothing that takes Your praise from our lips, thank You Jesus, in Jesus name we pray. Amen
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