Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

~1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

The power of giving thanks aligns us with the truth of God’s goodness and expresses our trust.

When parents teach their children to say “please” and “thank you,” the children may or may not realize they imitate the teaching of our Father God. And just like little children who don’t always feel like minding their manners, we can find it hard to obey.

The challenge for us can become especially difficult when, from our limited perspective, it makes no sense to thank God. This is when faith comes in. Faith is one of the reasons giving thanks proves so powerful.

I’m working on the discipline of gratitude. Having been a glass-half-empty sort of person, I’m determined to change because that view leads me to anxiety instead of peace.

One of my heroes is Joseph, who managed to stay focused on God’s prophetic dream over his life and eventually saw its fulfillment. At the end of the story, when their father, Jacob, had died, Joseph’s brothers were still concerned about Joseph’s retaliation.

But Joseph said to them “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

~Genesis 50:19-20 ESV

Joseph states a powerful truth. His brothers meant evil, but God, in His sovereignty, accomplished good. Centuries later, Paul instructs us similarly.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

~Romans 8:28 ESV

We must remember our war. We have a determined enemy who, whether we see his hand directly in our lives or not, wants to use our circumstances to undermine our faith and sow doubt in our trust of God. The stakes can be significant if we let him accomplish his plan.

Giving thanks, however, is like forgiveness. It cancels the enemy’s tactics by taking what he meant to discourage and defeat God’s purposes and letting it strengthen our faith instead.

Practice the power of giving thanks daily. 

Dear Father, I know my life is Your gift and that Your will is always for good. No matter what my emotions or senses may say, I thank You for my blessings and the promises in Your Word. You are always worthy of my praise. In the name of Jesus, amen. 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Power of Giving Thanks: Caroline Powers: All Rights Reserved