For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV).
Power is released when you combine thanksgiving with speaking God’s Word in faith.
The Bible is full of truths about God, about us (as His children) and the life He has given us, and we can choose to express gratitude for all of these. While the words thanks and thanksgiving may appear as many as a hundred times in scripture, it skyrockets when you include other words describing the expression of gratefulness to God, such as praise or blessing. When we offer praise to God with thankful hearts we are glorifying Him.
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God (Psalm 50:23 KNJV).
I suggest there is a double benefit here—not only all the benefits of being thankful, but also those of renewing Your mind to the truths of God’s Word and building up your faith in the process!
We can remember and thank God for the many benefits of being in God’s family:
Bless the LORD, my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;
Who pardons all your guilt,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with favor and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle (Psalm 103:1-5).
Start finding promises in the Word and use them in prayers of thanks to God throughout the day—not only when things are going your way, but also in the context of whatever challenge you’re dealing with.
Let me provide a just few examples for three different circumstances:
Rising in the morning, you could express gratitude for truths like these:
- Thank You, Father, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14)
- Thank You, God, that I can face today with confidence, because You are with me always (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).
- Thank You that Your lovingkindnesses never cease—they are new every morning! (Lam. 3:22-23)
- Thank You that I could wake up to Your presence right here with me this morning, God, knowing You are thinking of me! (Psalm 139:17-18)
As you work:
- Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to be salt and light in this world and to bring the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus to others, as I manifest Him in the workplace today. (Matthew 5:13-14, 2 Corinthians 2:14)
- God, I am grateful to have the chance to do something useful today, and that You are even helping me to have an abundance to be able to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28)
When you’re anxious or fearful:
- God, I am so grateful to know You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Thank You, Father, that You’ve promised me perfect peace right now, as I set my mind on You and put my trust in You. (Isaiah 26:3)
- Jesus, thank You that because You give me Your peace, I don’t have to let my heart be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)
- Thank You, God, that nothing can separate me from Your love, and with the Holy Spirit pouring it out in my heart, Your perfect love is casting out all fear in me right now. (Romans 8:35-39, Romans 5:5, 1 John 4:18)
This barely scratches the surface, but provides a few examples of how you can offer powerful prayers of thanksgiving that effectively resist the devil, and align your thinking with truth that sets you free!