Stop and Give thanks

Living in a world of troubles, hard-pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down, we must not lose heart! Through  it all we must keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith! "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory though our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57

In spite of all that's going on in the world or in 'your' world, stop and give thanks to the Lord.  1 Thes. 5:18 "IN everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

When anxiety or fear come to torment your thoughts, stop and give thanks to the Lord. Phil. 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but IN everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

In case you're feeling unloved and discarded, stop and give thanks to the Lord. Ps. 107:1 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His love endures forever."

At times of disappointments, frustrations, and exasperation, stop and give thanks to the Lord. Ps. 42:5 "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance."

If sickness, disease, pain, or infirmity attacks your body, stop and give thanks to the Lord. Ps. 103:1-3 "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases."

During times of challenges and difficulty, when you feel like giving up, or if it seems as if there's no hope.... Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise! (Ps. 100:4) Continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, with the fruit of your lips, giving thanks to His name. (Heb. 13:15)

Thanksgiving and praise always precedes His presence which precedes His power. In Acts 16:16-40 when Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they began to praise the Lord. God showed up and miracles happened! Adversity isn't fun, but when we're faced with it, stop and give thanks to God. When we do, we are expressing our trust and belief in Him which causes breakthrough miracles.

---