“Hey kids, it’s dessert time,” called Joey’s aunt.  “Aww, the movie is at the good part! Can you please bring us pumpkin pie?” Hesitantly Joey added, “Thank you!”

Meanwhile on the movie……………

Smiling Joey’s aunt brought them all pie. “You know, Joey. You and Daniel are alike.” Joey’s eyes lit up, “We are?” “Yes,” she nodded, “you both said thank you before your requests were answered.”

Don’t we usually say “thank you” only after we receive something? Then why, in this fictional account of Daniel chapter 6, did Daniel say thank you before his request was answered? Why did Joey?

Because being thankful before we receive something
is an act of faith.

WHAT DO WE GIVE THANKS FOR?

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

YOU MEAN WE ARE SUPPOSE TO GIVE THANKS WHEN-

We lose our job?
A relationship fails?
We are thrown into the lion’s den?

I’ll admit that it sounds a little crazy, but God has known something that doctors are just beginning to understand; being thankful has benefits. ¹

Thankfulness-
Lowers anxiety
Lessens depression
Improves sleep
Relieves stress

It also gives us hope and increases our faith.

 “Research shows that practicing gratitude — 15 minutes a day, five days a week — for at least six weeks can enhance mental wellness and possibly promote a lasting change in perspective.”¹

Being thankful is good for us! Perhaps that’s why our loving Lord asks us to be thankful in every circumstance, even the lion’s den. So, when adversity hits and we wonder; “Has God Abandoned us? Doesn’t God love us?”, hang onto these thoughts;

God is still with us!

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.
 He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you;
do not fear nor be dismayed,
 Deuteronomy 31:8

God still loves us!

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: 
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you,”
 Jeremiah 31:3

God can overcome anything!

I have told you these things,
so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world,
John 16:33 NIV

Thanking God even for adversity, doesn’t mean always mean our circumstances will change. But what will change is our hearts, (James 1:2). God doesn’t cause the adversity, but He can use it to develop our character and faith, draw us to Him, or draw others to Him.

Look at Daniel’s harrowing experience! He was in a hungry lion’s den! Yet the Lord used the evil plot for good to change the kings’ heart.  His decree may have changed other hearts as well;

“In every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end,” Daniel 6:26

WHAT IF WE DON’T FEEL LIKE GIVING THANKS?

HOW DO WE DO IT?

1. DECIDE

Did Daniel feel thankful to be in the lion’s den? Probably not! However, he customarily gave thanks, so we can assume He decided to do so then, (Daniel 6:10). The lions may not have benefited, but Daniel sure did! So will we when we decide out of obedience to give thanks, even when we don’t feel like it.

2. PRAY

Pray giving thanks.  What if we are struggling? What if we feel stuck in a lion’s den? Find a quiet place, (the bathroom always works), take a deep breath and pour out your heart to God. Even though He knows our thoughts, He wants to hear from us. Because the Lord loves us, He is ready and willing to help us be thankful.

3. COUNT OUR BLESSINGS

Counting our blessings, even small ones, helps us to focus on the positive. See how many blessings you can count.  Do you have food to eat, clothes to wear, friends or a job?  Do you see beautiful nature, animals playing or hear children laughing?

WE DON’T HAVE TO WAIT FOR A BLESSING TO COUNT IT.

In faith we can give thanks
before we see the blessing.

SO, BEFORE WE ENJOY OUR THANKSGIVING PIE,
LET’S TAKE A MOMENT
TO BE THANKFUL!

REFLECTION

What do you have to be thankful for?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, as I write 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and say it aloud, help me to be thankful even in adversity always remembering Your love and blessings. In Jesus name. Amen.

IN FAITH BE THANKFUL

Comment!

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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/

1  Health benefits of gratitude | UCLA Health
Photo child only, amyelizabethquinn
Photo Daniel, kensamwill
Photo baby, brytny