Give Thanks Always for All Things

Gratitude

(Ephesians 5:20)

“Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” Hearing of the enemy’s advance, the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, was disheartened. But when he heard the prophet’s words, he took courage.

1. Giving Thanks for What Is Yet to Come
“Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.” King Jehoshaphat sent his soldiers to the battlefield and ordered the singers to go before them, singing these words. Even before the battle began, he was certain of victory and gave thanks to God. Had his thanksgiving been offered only after victory was secured, it would not have shone so brightly.

2. Giving Thanks for What Has Been Received
Of course, giving thanks after gaining victory is a good thing. In fact, some fail to give thanks even after winning. They take victory for granted and see no reason to be grateful. A person who believes they are entitled to victory has no room for gratitude toward God. In contrast, those who acknowledge that their victory comes from Him and give thanks are blessed. But there is someone even more blessed—the one who, like Jehoshaphat, gives thanks for the victory yet to come.

3. Giving Thanks Even in Loss
But there is an even higher level of thanksgiving—giving thanks not in victory, but in the midst of the pain of defeat. This is true maturity, the kind of gratitude that God the Father desires from His children. Even when our lives are in the depths of despair, God is still worthy of our thanksgiving. Even if our deepest desires remain unfulfilled, everything will be accomplished according to His will, and He will be glorified. Gratitude is not a matter of choice. God is always worthy to receive thanksgiving, in every circumstance.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim