“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Suggested Prayer/Activity: Give thanks throughout your day for God’s many blessings including troubles (see DID YOU KNOW? below). Each night recall the day’s blessings and troubles and list in a notebook. Each week take the list to God in prayer for insight and in thankfulness.
Children’s Activity: Help children make a simple notebook with blank pages stapled together. Depending on age have them list one or more blessings each day and/or draw a picture of the blessing. The notebook could be entitled THANK GOD.
DID YOU KNOW? Thank God For My Troubles??
Thanking God during troubled times can foster a deeper relationship with Him, strengthen your faith, lead to personal growth and a greater understanding of God’s love and plan.
God’s Purpose is Bigger: God’s ultimate plan for you is bigger than the immediate problem.
Overcoming through Strength: God will provide the strength and resources necessary to overcome challenges.
Growth and Transformation: Hardships can be seen as opportunities for personal growth and spiritual maturity.
Trust and Faith: Praising God during difficult times can strengthen trust and faith in His goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem unclear.
Spiritual Benefits: Giving thanks can help overcome despair and cultivate a grateful attitude, which can lead to joy and peace.
God’s Love: Troubles can be seen as God’s love and care, as He uses them to teach and guide.
Provision and Blessing: God can use difficulties to bring about blessings and good outcomes, even if not immediately apparent.
Learning to Trust: Hardships can help you learn to trust God’s plan for your life, knowing He has your best interests at heart.
Bearing Testimony: Acknowledging God’s grace in the midst of trouble can serve as a powerful testimony to others, showing how God can be trusted even in the darkest of times.
Seeking God’s Help: Expressing gratitude can be a way of seeking God’s comfort, peace, and direction in times of need.
