Years ago, we had a night in fellowship with God’s people, and in our midst was a man with a lower back problem. I can relate very well for I have had my hard times with back pain and problems; so it was a joy for us to pray for him and believe the Lord for a touch of healing. We prayed and nothing happened, and I felt the Lord was prompting us to just start thanking and praising Him for the healing. Right away He was touched and his back was healed. It brought to mind Paul’s words to the Philippians, everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Many things happen when we are thankful to the Lord. The first thing is we are acknowledging the source. Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above from the Father of lights. It is the Lord that says He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He has, by His divine power, given us everything that pertains to life and godliness. The second thing that happens is we keep things in perspective, the reality of God’s presence and order for our lives. Acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will direct our path. If we have a gift that prospers us, it is from Him. If we have a good job, it is His blessing. Thirdly, it sets up a good atmosphere in the spirit. When we are in thanksgiving and praise to God it is an invitation for His presence to push back any darkness of the Devil and evil spirits that would try to control our emotions or walk with God. He gives us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. It is from God and His presence. Psalms 22:3 says, “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.” (N.K.J.V.) The old King James says: “He inhabits the praises of Israel.” It means to sit down (specifically as judge, in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry, etc.) According to Psalms 149:6 we are to have the high praises of God in our mouth and a two-edged sword in our hand. “Hand” here is also translated “power”. It is telling us to have praises to God in our mouth and the power of His word, the sword of the spirit. It goes on to tell us this will bind kings and nobles, that is those of spiritual darkness. Let us purpose not to just have a “give me” list from God, but a powerful prayer life with praise and thanksgiving. Let us thank God for the victory in Jesus our LORD!!!!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!