The Benefits of a Thankful HeartExemplo

Not only does a thankful heart change our perspective, but it can actually change our circumstance itself. To the natural eye, Paul and Silas had no reason to give thanks in Acts 16. They had just been severely beaten, put in chains, and in prison, all for casting out an evil spirit. It would have been easy to feel defeated and confused as to why God would let this happen, but they did not allow these feelings to overtake them. Instead, they prayed and worshipped the Lord. As they did this, ALL the prison doors flung open and EVERY prisoner’s chains were loosed. Think what a testimony this was for the other prisoners! Here they all were in prison with two men who were inexplicably praising while they were in chains and then suddenly their chains were broken. The other prisoners did nothing yet they were freed from their chains as a result of Paul and Silas’ worship. Thanksgiving in our lowest places is a testimony to the people around us that God is good all the time and we can live above our circumstances!

Paul goes on to tell how the jailer and all of his family got saved as a result of what happened. Paul and Silas went into this circumstance with things looking hopeless, but look what God will do when we do not let our hearts get down and we praise Him through our hardest days. From this story, we see that keeping our hearts free of complaining and instead full of thanksgiving allows us to overflow with praise in whatever situation we find ourselves in.

Remember today as you give thanks to the Lord that a thankful heart can change your circumstances and the circumstances of those around you. Thanksgiving is a testimony of the good things the Lord has done, a declaration of what He is doing, and gives you hope for what He is going to do.