Living in Gratitude
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6
Even in the worst situation, there’s always a reason to give thanks.
The apostle Paul and Silas were falsely accused, arrested, and put into jail. They were beaten with rods and thrown into the inner prison, their feet placed in stocks. “But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Even in pain, they were singing and praising God. Later, because of their testimony, the jailor was saved.
Job was a righteous man. He prayed and offered sacrifices not only for himself but also for his children. One day, disaster struck his family and possessions, and he lost everything. Job grieved and mourned, but he also fell down in worship of God and said these words: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
During times of trial, instead of complaining, give thanks! Sing hymns of praise to God and watch the prison bars open for you.
Check out more from Tony Evans @tonyevans.org