Text:
Acts 16:19-26
Memory Verse:
“But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25).
Thanksgiving is responding to God’s goodness and grace upon us with gratitude. Midnight hours can be likened to times of difficulty due to a loss of job or loved one, increased indebtedness or times of financial difficulties. Midnight praise and giving thanks to God with a grateful heart in the face of all challenges is recommended. Instead of murmuring, you should engage in thanksgiving because there are blessings to count and many things to be thankful for.
Two of Jesus’ most notable miracles were done amidst thanksgiving, despite the humanly impossible situations; the feeding of the 5,000 men (John 6:1). That was the miracle of supply when there was a lack. He gave thanks for the insignificant little they had. He also gave thanks to God before praying for the resuscitation of Lazarus, despite the fact that he had been buried for four days (John 11:41). The joy of Lazarus’ sisters could not have been quantified.
Paul and Silas, having been bullied, flogged, bound with chains and imprisoned, did not waste their time murmuring or complaining. They praised God to the hearing of the other inmates. Those inmates may have seen them as being abnormal, bursting into singing after suffering such affliction, but that is where the miracle lies. Satan wants you to wallow in self pity and sadness. So,
disappoint him by singing praises to God. Giving thanks affirms the integrity of God’s word in every situation. Are you expecting more blessings from God? Give thanks, for this is the will of God
concerning you. Don’t let situations dictate your joy. Learn to give quality thanks to God.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, grant me a heart full of thanksgiving and praise.
2. Lord, grant me the grace to still praise You in the midnight hours of my life.
