“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with THANKSGIVING, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (AMP)
In the closing chapter of his epistle to the Philippian church, Apostle Paul gave a clear instruction regarding prayers and petition. He instructs that when we pray and petition God for a thing, we should do it with thanksgiving. In man’s natural understanding, thanksgiving is an action that comes after a favour has been received from someone and this is to show appreciation for what they have they have done for us but what Apostle Paul says here is contrary to the natural human understanding. He says to pray and also give thanks, and that’s even before the answers come.
Giving thanks to God before the answers to our prayers are received is a function of faith. Many people keep silent on this part of this instruction but it is an important part that must not be left out. When thanksgiving accompanies our prayers, it shows that we have the faith that what we ask will be done unfailingly and we wouldn’t wait for the answers before we give thanks for them.
Faith give thanks even before the answers become realities. We give thanks because we are confident and assured that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think and this is what faith is. You must cultivate the heart and habit of thanksgiving. In verse 4, Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!” You must rejoice in the Lord regardless of the situation you are in. If you do not know how to rejoice in the Lord, it becomes difficult to pray and make your requests known to God with thanksgiving.
Dear believer, if you truly believe in miracles, you’d rather be thankful than anxious. Do not let the enemy steal your joy because you are in a difficult situation. Faith in the power of God births thanksgiving in your heart even when the answer is not received. Be thankful always. Thankful people always experience miracles from the Lord.
Reflections: Rejoicing in the Lord always makes the heart thankful and this births the miraculous.
Confession: My heart is full of joy always and I rejoice in the One who has promised for faithful is He. For me, miracles are real and they are manifested in my life daily.
Related Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Bible Reading: Exodus 18
