Can’t Thank You Enough

Philippians 4:2-7

Verse 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

We know that we are to attend to this list of alternatives to worry in every situation and every second of the day but what action are we to take?

The first action Paul lists is prayer. This isn’t a repeating of the Lord’s Prayer, nor is it the rote prayers that we tend to say where we don’t even think about the words we are saying. It is so easy to say prayers we have memorized and not focus on what we are really praying. Even our prayers at mealtime can become so routine that we don’t think about what it means to be thankful for the meal that is before us.

Our prayers can also fall into the rut of only being about things we want from God. They begin to sound more like we are sitting on Santa’s lap and less like we are talking to the God of the universe. Of course He wants to hear our requests as well as our praises but if the wants are far outweighing the thankfulness we are missing a big part of our relationship with God.

We have so much to thank Him for and if we were more intentional about thanking God for all He does, we would find that we wouldn’t be so concerned about every little thing that comes up in our lives because we would remember who He is and that His character is forever trustworthy.

It is said that hindsight is 20/20 and that is often true. When we focus on all the ways God has cared for us in the past we will right our vision to see Him and His capabilities more clearly. When we have a correct view of God we are less likely to worry since we will have no doubt that what He has done in the past, He can do in the present and future.

When we come to Him in thanksgiving our requests can’t help but be asked in a way that is reflective of His character. We will be less likely to ask for things that don’t align with His will because we can more clearly see His will through the things He has done things in the past. We serve a faithful and abundantly loving God. He may not give us everything we ask for but He will always give us what is best for us and will bring Him the most glory.

Making It Personal

Do you think about the words you pray? Do you thank Him for the amazing ways that He has taken care of you in the past? What are you thankful for today?

Making It Personal Kids

Why is it important to think about the words you say when you pray? Do you thank Jesus for all the things He does for you? What can you thank Him for today?

Closing Prayer

Father, we can’t begin to thank You for all the things that You have done for us. We thank You for Your mighty care, protection and provision, but most of all we thank You for salvation. Please help us remember all the times You have cared for us and help us break the cycle of worry. In Jesus’ name, amen.