How can we practically express thanksgiving to God in challenging circumstances? The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving “I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 116:17) • The psalmist’s gratitude is called a “sacrifice”—something chosen and offered even when it costs. • Hard seasons turn thanksgiving from polite courtesy into wholehearted worship. Why Challenging Seasons Still Deserve Thanks • God’s character never changes (Malachi 3:6). • His salvation is already secured (John 10:28). • Trials refine faith and prove it genuine (1 Peter 1:6-7). • He promises to work all things for good (Romans 8:28). Practical Ways to Offer the Sacrifice Today • Speak praise aloud: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) • Sing when emotion says otherwise (Acts 16:25). Hymns in the dark jail turned into open prison doors. • Recount past deliverances: write or tell the story (Psalm 103:2). Memory fuels present gratitude. • Testify to others: “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” (Psalm 66:16) • Choose obedience in the hardship; every step says, “Lord, I trust You” (John 14:15). • Give generously even when funds feel tight (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). • Serve someone who is suffering more (Proverbs 11:25). • Call on His name instead of carrying the load alone (Philippians 4:6-7). • Thank Him before the answer arrives—faith in action (John 11:41). Calling on His Name While We Wait • Psalm 116:17 couples gratitude with prayer. • Thanksgiving and petition belong together: “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • When words fail, borrow Scripture—pray a psalm, read aloud Habakkuk 3:17-19. Fuel for Thankful Hearts Remember specific reasons: 1. Rescue from sin (Colossians 1:13-14). 2. The Holy Spirit’s constant presence (John 14:16-17). 3. Promises that cannot be broken (2 Corinthians 1:20). 4. Future glory that far outweighs present pain (2 Corinthians 4:17). Results God Delights to Give • Peace that guards heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). • Perspective that lifts eyes above the storm (Psalm 121:1-2). • A witness that points others to Christ (Jonah 2:9). • Deepened intimacy with the Lord—the very thing trials were allowed to produce (James 1:2-4). Living Psalm 116:17 This Week Offer your own “sacrifice of thanksgiving”: set aside a moment each day to name what God has done, sing a song of praise, and call on His name. In doing so, you echo the psalmist’s resolve and discover that gratitude, even in hardship, becomes a doorway into deeper joy. |
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