Day 30: Saying Thank You When You're Not Thankful

This post is part of a 31-day series.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

It takes only a rudimentary understanding of Christian theology to realize that we can make supplication to God for our requests.  Very small children can learn that our Father hears our prayers when we ask for things.

So, even when we are mired in darkness or frantic with fear, we usually remember to cry out for help.

The more profound part of this verse is in two words:  "with thanksgiving."

Pained souls don't naturally exclaim with thankfulness.  But this is what God calls us to do.  When we can give God thanks in the midst of desperate requests, then we have gained a large measure of victory in our circumstances.

Thank you for hearing my prayers.

Thank you for your mercy toward me. 

Thank you for never leaving me.  

Thank you that you are working even now, in this fearful place, through this circumstance, for my good.

Thank you that your promises are sure, though my feelings may lie.

Thank you that one day all will see your victory over sin and darkness and death.

Next:  Grace for the Struggling