MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

11/4/2023

"I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30).

Satan is powerless in an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving. I'm referring to a level of gratitude that transcends human comprehension. The kind that leaves observers perplexed when they witness your unwavering attitude of thankfulness despite challenging circumstances. I call it radical thanksgiving because anybody can thank God when things are going well. But the real test comes when you lose your dream job, face false accusations, or are forced to leave school due to financial constraints. Will you still be thankful? If you are a child of God, the answer should be a resounding YES! James 1:2 tells us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds." I may not know about your situation, but when the God of Wonders tells you to consider it pure joy, your response should be a confident, "YES, SIR!

 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". In other words, thanksgiving is no longer an option; it is who we are. It is a ministry that we carry out through the power of the Spirit, and it transcends feelings and circumstances. In everything we do or say, thanksgiving is expressed. Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Someone reading this might question, "How do I maintain an attitude of gratitude when I feel down and out? How can I be thankful when instead of going south, situations have gone north?" Allow me to stress that our commitment to live according to God's Word has never been easy from a human standpoint. Hence, in such trying moments, a deliberate choice must be made to exalt the Lord above all else. Psalm 69:30 says, "I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving." Thanksgiving places God above your circumstances (good or bad). Thanksgiving reaffirms your trust in God. Thanksgiving leaves the enemy confused and affirms your victory in Christ.

I'm reminded of the wisdom shared by a revered man of God who emphasized that during moments when it appears that everything has come to a halt or your prayers remain unanswered, it's crucial to understand that God is continually at work. Even when His actions are not immediately evident, rest assured that He is upholding certain aspects of your life. Therefore, even when it seems that circumstances have taken a negative turn, there are undoubtedly elements moving in a positive direction, and it is these very aspects that deserve your focus and praise to God.

So be radical with your thanksgiving to God today. Call to remembrance the victory of Christ in you and magnify His name with tongues.

God bless you. 

Faith-Filled Confession:

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore, my heart rejoices, and I will thank Him with my song" (Psalm 28:7).

ONE-YEAR READING PLAN: Jeremiah 36-37; Philemon