Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4:6
In the chaotic world that we live in today, we see that people are anxious and fearful. Anxious about their tomorrow, their finances, jobs, health, and so on. When you are in a situation that gives some cause for anxiety, at such times, thankfulness is not automatic or spontaneous. You have to do it deliberately by faith. Thanksgiving in a time of trials reflects three things.
First, ‘Remembering God’s supply in the past’, you think back over His faithfulness to you and realize that His mercies have sustained you. He has been with you in every trial. Second, ‘Submitting to God’s sovereignty in the present’, you thank God in the midst of a crisis or trial because you understand that you are to thank God even when you don’t feel like it. And third, ‘Trusting in God’s sufficiency for the future’, for a thankful heart rests upon the all-sufficient God, knowing that even though we don’t see, He will meet our every need as we cast our care on Him.
When we pray, God does not promise to change every situation to our liking. What He does promise to do is give us peace during any situation. In other words, God may or may not change the circumstance, but He will change our disposition toward it so that it does not cause us inner turmoil.
Prayer: Lord, no matter what circumstances I am in today, I will praise you and let my praise rise as an offering to you. Even when I don’t understand, I submit to Your sovereign purpose in this situation. I trust that You know what You are doing and will work it together for my good. Amen!
