Be Thankful at all times

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thess. 5:18 KJV)

Look beyond your circumstances with thanksgiving to God 

The above passage says to “give thanks in every thing.”  This is hard, especially during difficult times or painful circumstances. But, it isn’t impossible. You just have to look beyond your circumstances and understand that God will provide for you somehow, beyond your present understanding. Job is an example of someone going through tremendous suffering, yet he remained faithful and praised God during his horrendous ordeal: “…Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’ In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” (Job 1:20-22)

Keep your problems in perspective

Your problems are temporary and God’s steadfast love for you is forever. 

“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 196:1 ESV)

Let your request be known to God with thanksgiving  

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6 ESV)

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” (Psalm 295:1 ESV)

Don’t give up! Continue to watch with thanksgiving 

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Col. 4:2 ESV)

Therefore…

“I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” (Psalm 7:17 ESV)

“A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalms 100:1-5 ESV)