Psalm 7:17 AMPC
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His rightness and justice, and I will sing praise to the Name of the Lord Most High.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Being thankful is not a feeling, it is an act of the will.
We see from the verses above "wills" are involved, both my will and God's will.
God knows that being thankful is an avenue from which He can access my heart - it's a childlike trust, but also a flint-like setting of my course towards God the Father and belief in His goodness and mercy no matter what.
Those singers that matched out in front of Jehoshaphat's army did so in faith (most probably mixed with some fleshly fear), but they sang in unison:
2 Chronicles 20:21 NLT
After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising Him for His Holy splendour. This is what they sang: "Give thanks to the LORD; His faithful love endures forever!"
The result was that their fearsome enemies were thrown into confusion.
The Lord works wonders when we give Him thanks and praise:
2 Chronicles 20:22 NLT
At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.
My enemies of doubt, depression, resentment, latent anger and fear are put to flight when I give thanks to Jesus in faith by an act of my will.
On this Thanksgiving Day, no matter how I feel, I want to, I WILL to give thanks to You Lord.
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