How can we express gratitude to God for answered prayers like Joab did? Joab’s Moment of Gratitude 2 Samuel 14:22: “Then Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. He said, ‘Today your servant knows he has found favor in your sight, my lord the king, because the king has granted the request of his servant.’” • Joab’s body posture, spoken blessing, and clear testimony combine to form a three-fold pattern for thanking God when He answers prayer. Bow in Humble Reverence • Joab “fell facedown.” • Psalm 95:6: “Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” • Physical humility reminds the heart Who rules and Who rescues. Kneeling, raising hands, or simply stillness can reinforce grateful submission. Speak Blessing and Praise Aloud • Joab “blessed the king.” • Psalm 103:1-2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul… forget not all His benefits.” • Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” • Verbal thanks—songs, spoken words, written notes—give God glory and strengthen faith. Acknowledge Favor, Not Entitlement • “Your servant knows he has found favor.” • James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” • Gratitude flows when we recognize answers as grace, not payment for merit. Testify Publicly • Joab declared his answered request to the king’s court. • Psalm 40:10: “I have not concealed Your loving devotion… I have proclaimed Your faithfulness.” • Luke 17:15-16 shows the healed Samaritan returning “with a loud voice glorifying God.” Share testimonies in church, with family, on social media, or in small groups. Respond with Obedient Service • Joab’s gratitude propelled further loyalty to David. • 1 Samuel 12:24: “Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” • Genuine thanks bears fruit in willing obedience—serving, giving, forgiving, and pursuing holiness. Continue in a Lifestyle of Thanksgiving • Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Colossians 3:17 all call for continual gratitude. • Keep a prayer journal: record requests and dates of God’s answers. • Celebrate answered prayers on anniversaries. • Integrate thanksgiving into daily routines—mealtimes, commute prayers, bedtime reflections—so gratitude becomes reflexive rather than occasional. Following Joab’s pattern—humble posture, spoken praise, public testimony, and obedient living—turns each answered prayer into a fresh opportunity to magnify God’s faithfulness. |
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