From the very moment that we say “AMEN” in prayer, to the very moment when we see a manifestation in power of what we prayed for; there a moment or momentum of what our expectation is in thanksgiving. The giving of thanks is a very crucial momentum that we should never miss out of, as we stand in the presence of God in prayer and intercession.
For everything there is always a season, moment or timing of God (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). There is a time to pray and a time to rejoice also with thanksgiving before God.
It is at this pivotal moment of thanksgiving, that God works the things that we seek out in prayer for us. He works it out in such a manner into our lives and upon us, until we are fully conformed into the image of Christ; as we continually give Him thanks for what He is doing.
The scripture says:
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”
Hebrews 13:15 NIV
Thanksgiving in the presence of the Almighty God as we pray, works in our lives to conform us to be like Jesus; until the fullness of time comes for the manifestation of our answer in prayer.
Thanksgiving is our sacrifice of praise or the fruit of our lips that openly profess his name as our Lord and Savior. It has nothing to do with our feelings or postures before God. But it does has everything to do with who He is to us.
Our sacrifice of the desires of the flesh (1 Corinthians 9:27), positions us for the blessing in His presence. We must never miss out of the opportunity to give thanks before God.
Thanksgiving is therefore our celebration of a new dawn or a new season in His presence. It is an affirmation that our present positions in life, is not an indication of our future potential in Christ Jesus. Thanksgiving therefore helps us to put behind us what is seen. It helps us to lay hold and prepares us for the supernatural.
Paul wrote:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
As we continue in giving thanks, what is unseen and eternal is brought out into the open in our lives.
Behind every moment or momentum to give thanks is God’s plan for our lives. Never let go of that moment without praising Him and worshiping Him, irrespective of what you feel or what the circumstances of life may have brought across your way.
As we give Him thanks we are expected to:
“… let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].”
Colossians 3:15 AMPC
It is the peace of God that helps us and guides us, in maintaining that momentum of praise and thanksgiving; even in the midst of the worst scenario of life. The peace of God becomes the anchor of our soul as we continue to thank Him. We find safety in the midst of trouble, as that peace holds us up. We are bolder and stronger in the face of opposition, as His peace saturates our soul.
Yes, you can have peace in the midst of trouble as you praise Him. That is why James commanded us:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”
James 1:2 NKJV
The Holy Spirit takes us into a place of rest and secured peace with God about the very things, that we are praying for as we thank Him (Isaiah 28:10-12). All that we need as believers is the peace with God.
Though you may not audibly hear His voice as you stand in His presence; but you will always have an inner witness within you as you give Him thanks. His peace will guide your heart to know that all will be just okay. And that is all you need to know from Him.
So as you continue to pray and intercede before Him, open your heart up into thanksgiving. Your moment of breakthrough is closer than you ever thought.
So therefore,
GIVE HIM THANKS!
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
