While you are undoubtedly familiar with Philippians 4:6-7, you might not have noticed its call to have an attitude for gratitude embedded in this well-known passage. Here it is in the Amplified Bible (bracketed material is in this version):
6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
The part of this verse that captivated my mind during my journey was “...with thanksgiving...” What is it about expressing gratitude as part of the prayer that leads to delivering “the peace of God which transcends all understanding?”
God created us in such a way that our recognition of and gratitude for the mercies he bestows on us each day (Lamentations 3:22-23) makes us more aware of other mercies in the form of mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. We need only to open our eyes of faith to see these tender mercies provided to us in our hour of need to be spontaneously grateful for God’s unfailing love for us. This constant “attitude of gratitude” is what Paul had in mind in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 when he said, “give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” All circumstances, seen through the eyes of faith, are covered under God’s promise that he will be with us throughout the good and tough times. It is then God’s will that we have faith that He is there, even when the circumstances are at their most dire state and can be thankful that He is.
