Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
In Philippians 4:6-7, you’ll find one of the most difficult teachings to obey in the entire Bible. It’s not easy to stop worrying about the often-scary, everyday parts of your life, but God tells you how. He says you should pray about everything and thank him for all he has done. Grateful prayer brings peace. God says that when you start to worry, you should pray.
Parents understand the power of being grateful. Most parents wouldn’t appreciate their children always making requests and never saying “thank you” for the things they’ve received. God sees it the same way. He is waiting for you to ask him for what you need and want. More than 20 times in the New Testament, you’re told to “ask” him. But he wants you to ask with gratefulness. [Vs 7 says THEN you will experience God's peace. When we remind ourselves of all that God has done for us as we thank Him for it, we can be at peace knowing the Father has - and will always - care for us, giving us what we need.] The more thankful you are, the easier it is to see God at work in your life. The Bible says that God inhabits the praise of his people. He uses your thanksgiving as an instrument of power in your life.
The Bible urges you to be specific in your requests—and in your praises. Instead of a simple “thank you for everything,” God wants you to tell him what you’re grateful for.
When I say to my wife, “I’m so grateful for you,” she tells me to be specific. She likes to hear what I appreciate about her and what makes me grateful for her. God does, too. So when you pray, tell God what you’re thankful for, and be specific.
Something that can require an even bigger step of faith is when you thank God in advance. When you have the faith to thank God ahead of time—before you can see how he’s working—miracles happen.
So, take a moment now, and tell God what you’re grateful for. Then keep going, moment by moment, practicing gratitude for who God is, what he has done, and all that you believe he will do. [according to His Word}
In Philippians 4:6-7, you’ll find one of the most difficult teachings to obey in the entire Bible. It’s not easy to stop worrying about the often-scary, everyday parts of your life, but God tells you how. He says you should pray about everything and thank him for all he has done. Grateful prayer brings peace. God says that when you start to worry, you should pray.
Parents understand the power of being grateful. Most parents wouldn’t appreciate their children always making requests and never saying “thank you” for the things they’ve received. God sees it the same way. He is waiting for you to ask him for what you need and want. More than 20 times in the New Testament, you’re told to “ask” him. But he wants you to ask with gratefulness. [Vs 7 says THEN you will experience God's peace. When we remind ourselves of all that God has done for us as we thank Him for it, we can be at peace knowing the Father has - and will always - care for us, giving us what we need.] The more thankful you are, the easier it is to see God at work in your life. The Bible says that God inhabits the praise of his people. He uses your thanksgiving as an instrument of power in your life.
The Bible urges you to be specific in your requests—and in your praises. Instead of a simple “thank you for everything,” God wants you to tell him what you’re grateful for.
When I say to my wife, “I’m so grateful for you,” she tells me to be specific. She likes to hear what I appreciate about her and what makes me grateful for her. God does, too. So when you pray, tell God what you’re thankful for, and be specific.
Something that can require an even bigger step of faith is when you thank God in advance. When you have the faith to thank God ahead of time—before you can see how he’s working—miracles happen.
So, take a moment now, and tell God what you’re grateful for. Then keep going, moment by moment, practicing gratitude for who God is, what he has done, and all that you believe he will do. [according to His Word}
Talk It Over
How does gratitude draw you closer to Jesus and help you reflect his character?
Have you ever tried journaling your prayers and your gratitude? What difference do you think it would make?
What are some ways you believe God will bless you in the future? Thank God for those things, even before they happen.
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for bearing our burdens and carrying us day by day. Thank You for loading us with blessings and giving us our daily bread. You are a great God. Of Your goodness and kindness, there is no end. Lord, teach us to offer You a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all our daily experiences. Change our outlook and attitude into joyful contentment. We trust You and thank You for Your peace in all of it, which goes beyond our understanding. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for us. We never want to be complacent about Your saving grace and the redeeming Blood of Jesus. Thank You for spiritual growth in Christ and help us to keep walking in You by faith all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
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