The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God! Psalm 50:23
Giving thanks always in all things (Ephesians 5:20) is not just some “put on a happy face and fool yourself into feeling better” panacea. It is an act of faith to be thankful to God for who He is and what He has done, even when circumstances are horrible.
Why is giving thanks considered a sacrifice? Isn’t that a bit of a martyr syndrome statement?
True “giving thanks” is not “woe is me but praise God anyway . . .” Here are some of my “sacrifice of praise” statements —
I am thankful that God has shown me how desperately I need Him.
I am thankful that, even in isolation, I am never alone.
I am thankful that, despite “brain fog” and difficulty concentrating, I can still recall Scripture that I have memorized. The Holy Spirit gives me His Word to strengthen me.
Deciding to be thankful rather than self-pitying.
Deciding to be thankful and concentrate on God’s character and His Sovereignty IS ordering my way rightly — and God has shown me His salvation!
He has saved me from self-sufficiency, from feeling abandoned, from self-righteousness.
I am so grateful.
Plea for Grace 