PRAISE GOD IN EVERYTHING

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

It is easy to gloss over the consistent command of Scriptures that we PRAISE GOD IN EVERYTHING and FOR everything – positive or negative! Ephesians 5:20 says: “Giving thanks always FOR ALL THINGS to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reinforces the same: “IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS…” This is the Will of God in Christ Jesus for you! The Living Bible version says: “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus”. God’s Word teaches that you praise Him for the situation, not in spite of it!

However, to praise God IN and FOR a harsh situation goes beyond trying to obey a scriptural command. It means literally that you accept and approve of it as part of God’s unfolding plan. Most people have been conditioned to thank God for everything good and complain or blame the devil for everything bad, forgetting that God is able to work ALL THINGS for good for those who love and trust Him (Rom.8:28). He wants you to be thankful in everything, regardless of how negative it seems. Through a lack of faith in God’s Power, you can go on thinking that every of your life-situation is controlled by the devil. Or you can believe that God is at work, thank Him for everything and thereby release His power to perform in your life!

There is a unique dimension of supernatural power that is released when you begin to praise God for everything in your life instead of complaining, murmuring, or only pleading with Him to change the seemingly unsatisfactory circumstances. God knows what He is doing, and you can choose to thank Him for it. When you accept and thank Him for a situation, believing that He is in the know if it there is released into that situation, a supernatural, divine force that causes changes beyond what can be explained naturally.

A significant step in the act of praising God is to take your eyes off the threatening circumstances and look to God instead. This does not imply being blind to the very real threats of evil around you. Rather, seeing them for what they are should give you greater cause to praise and thank God for working in them with perfect control and dominion. You are not to be preoccupied with the appearance of evil around you; but be preoccupied with God, through Praise. Ultimately, you’ll experience the powerful results of an attitude of gratitude and consistent thanksgiving, including a faith that is strengthened.