Monday, April 4
Pray constantly. Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
When we have our blessings firmly fixed in mind and heart, we are ready to pray to Jehovah and offer thanksgiving. Many view prayer as merely a way to ask God for things. We, however, know that Jehovah is pleased when we express thanks for what we have. The Bible contains numerous heartwarming prayers of thanksgiving, including those offered by Hannah and Hezekiah. So imitate those faithful servants who showed a grateful spirit. Yes, thank Jehovah in prayer for the blessings that you have. The benefits from doing so are many. Your spirits will be lifted, you will grow in love for Jehovah, and you will draw ever closer to him.
COMMENTARY
Gratitude is very important. Even Jesus, the heir of all things, always thanked God for everything.
Considering that God is the happy giver we would never want to grieve him by our ingratitude. Even if we are suffering affliction we can be grateful that God helps us endure. We can be grateful for small comforts. Even if we are nearing the end of our life we can be grateful for the God-given hope of the resurrection —yes, the assurance of living again.
Here are a few other passages that encourage us to be thankful.
“But thanks to God, for he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” — I Corinthians 15:57
“From such a great risk of death he did rescue us and will rescue us, and our hope is in him that he will also continue to rescue us. You also can help us by your supplication for us, in order that many may give thanks in our behalf for the favor we receive in answer to the prayers of many.”
“In everything you are being enriched for every sort of generosity, which produces through us an expression of thanks to God; because the ministry of this public service is not only to provide well for the needs of the holy ones but also to be rich in many expressions of thanks to God…Thanks be to God for his indescribable free gift.” – 2 Corinthians 9
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“Let sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as is proper for holy people; neither shameful conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting—things that are not befitting—but rather the giving of thanks.” —Ephesians 5:3-4
“Also, let the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts, for you were called to that peace in one body. And show yourselves thankful.” —Colossians 3:15