Practicing an attitude of gratitude – just a happy little slogan or a way of facing each day that changes everything? Is being thankful an impossible command to fulfill or, the key to a fulfilling life with God in recovery, particularly in challenging times?
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)
There’s a wonderful story in the Bible (2 Chronicles 20) of a king and his people being attacked by other armies who were much bigger and stronger than they were. Understandably, the king and the people were under intense pressure and filled with fear. The king’s first response was to speak to God about his situation. He called the people together, led them in a prayer that thanked God for His presence, His power, and the history of His help in their lives. What is our first response when trouble lurks in our minds and circumstances?
In spite of visible overwhelming circumstances, the king and his army needed to let go of despair and discouragement and trust that God was with them. That’s the choice they made, and God took care of them.
The king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. They began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22, 23b-24 NLT)
Can you imagine that scene? Following God’s instructions, the king appointed a group of people to lead the army onto the battlefield, not with swords and spears, but rather with the assignment to SING and GIVE THANKS to God. While they did that, the enemy armies attacked and destroyed each other. True to His word, God gave them a victory and protected them in the process. God hasn’t changed. What might our praise and thanksgiving accomplish in our circumstances today?
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