“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” - Hebrews 13:15

The scriptures enjoin us to show gratitude to God in all things. Thanksgiving goes with praises; for we cannot adequately praise God without thanking Him for His wonderful works. We thank God for what we are yet to receive; we thank Him for what we have received; and we thank Him for our losses. It so happens that we find it difficult to thank God in difficult moments, especially when we have lost a job, promotion, a viable opportunity or during mourning. In gratitude, we are able to align our flesh with the spirit of God in order to heal the flesh of trauma and pains. It is the flesh that feels pains; therefore, it is the flesh that must be healed. Gratitude heals the heart and strengthens our emotions to withstand grief and disappointment.

When we give thanks for all our experiences, heavens open, letting out the golden rays of God’s beauty and love into our hearts and this melts away all bitterness from our hearts. During painful and traumatic moments, we do not thank God for evil, but that He is sustaining us through it, and giving us power and strength to endure it. Thereafter, we can look ahead with hope, believing that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. The word of God is telling us today to give thanks to God no matter the situation; whether in good times or in bad times. When we give thanks in good times, the heavens are opened and we receive more. In bad times, gratitude merges our pained flesh with Christ and He is able to absorb our pains and sorrows, while hope and faith are restored.