Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should thank God at all times

Give Thanks at All Times
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

– Psalm 34:1 (NKJV)

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you've questioned what the Bible has to say?

I get the feeling your answer is a loud, "Yes!"  If it weren't, I would have to check your pulse. Because to be honest, I've had to question if the Word really means what it said many times, especially when life is hard, and when life takes a turn in a completely different direction than you planned.

David, the chief songwriter of the Bible book of Psalms, asked a lot of questions too. There was a time (1 Samuel 30) when his family was kidnapped, and his household ripped apart, and he must have asked God how could He let this happen.

The enemy came and ransacked his camp and took not only his wives and cattle but the possessions of his fellow fighters. David perused the damage done, and he did what any human being would do – he wept. And then he did something remarkable. Would you believe that this man did something while in the pit of despair that most of us would find deeply difficult to do? In the midst of the pain, he began to encourage himself in the Lord. This is what the scripture encourages us to do. David may have sounded something like this, "Self, it's going to be alright. Self, be encouraged. Self, bless the Lord!”

Throughout the book of Psalms, we can see where David encouraged and strengthened himself. 

Let’s read three examples:

Psalm 42:11 (NIV): “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 18:5-6 (NKJV): “In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.”

Psalm 34:1 (NKJV): "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praises shall continually be in my mouth."

So where do you gather that kind of strength to give thanks in the midst of pain and disappointment? This is not an overnight lesson, but it is learned behavior. 

Today, wherever you find yourself, make a conscious effort to bless the Lord, to give thanks in all things. Remember, this is the will of God plainly written for is to obey. Tell your will to get on board and in all things give thanks.

David had learned how to worship God for who He is. He learned to praise God in his struggles. He practiced praise and it became a habit. He was honest with his pain, and his grief and developed a pattern of looking up to God especially in his darkest hours.

There will come many times in life when there is no human being to look to for what you need so I implore you to develop this habit to bless the Lord at all times, so it becomes natural.

I encourage you to give thanks at all times and in everything (1Thessalonians 5:18). Giving thanks develops a habit of gratitude is life-changing it affects or perspective and gives us the grace and the power to truly stand in the storms of life, knowing that God will carry us through.

Let's Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that in the middle of the storms you are with me. You are aware of everything that is happening and I am thankful. Today and every day I am thankful for your lovingkindness which is better than life. Help me to remember this at all times, in Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Patricia’s devotional message today reminded me of the song “Find Rest” by Francesca Battistelli. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter.

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
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Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com