Thankfulness Under Pressure

I was asked to share some thoughts on “Thankfulness” for our church Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sozochurchbelfair), so I thought I’d pass them along to all of you. I hope and pray that you’ll be encouraged through this.

Thankfulness is a big deal to God, because being thankful requires that we become aware of the Father’s attentiveness and activity, not only in our lives but in all things that transpire in every situation. Consider this passage in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – 

Rejoice always! Pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Take note of these three things that the writer infers:

1.     choose joy in every situation, 

2.     choose intimate communion with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through prayer, and 

3.     choose a thankful heart even in the midst of difficulty

In order to make these choices while maintaining integrity with my own soul’s realities, I must be aware of several things that are true and unshakeable, and it’s these things that I’m thankful for:

-       There is a God in heaven who sees everything, knows everything, and according to Psalm 62:11-12 is strong and also loving. This means that God has the power and the desire to do what is best in every situation. 

-       That this God is our Father who according to Rom 8:28 works everything out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. Imagine the 1000-dimensional chess game that God has to manage in order to make all things work together for the good of His chosen and beloved ones! Amazing!

-       For the Holy Spirit who helps us understand the Word of God concerning the times we’re living in, SO THAT we will be bold in love and not be overcome by fear or compromise. The Scriptures make clear that as the return of Jesus to the earth draws nearer, there will be increased pressures in society as well as increased anointing, power, and Christ-likeness in the Body of Christ. I am thankful that God knows what is happening, and what will happen, and is in complete control of the whole process!

-       For a community of believers like SOZO Church that worships Jesus, prays for Heaven to come to earth in our lives today, and serves one another with humility and grace. My prayer for all of you is that you are connected with a local family of believers that will help you connect more meaningfully with our Father God, and will stand with you during these pressurized times.

I want to encourage you: take time today to give thanks to God in faith that He is strong and loving, that according to Hebrews 11:6 He is who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do. May your day be blessed as you walk in the light and favor of Jesus!

Gary Wiens