...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

   - Philippians 4.6, 7

So, whatever may come my way, good or bad, I equally tackle it, always giving thanks to God, Who granted me unlimited faith in Him, and Who helped me so that, ignorant as I am, I might in these final days dare to undertake this work, so holy and so wonderful.

  - Patrick, Confession, Irish, 5th century

There is power in thanksgiving that we grossly underestimate.

In every situation, no matter how delightful or how dire, our first response should always be thanksgiving. In our times of joy we give thanks to God, thus acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (Jms. 1.17).

In our times of doubt, fear, or anxiety we give thanks to God, thus acknowledging that He is sovereign in all things, does all things well, and works all things together for good to those who love Him.

Thanksgiving is the leading edge of genuine faith; wherever it is in evidence, growth in grace will occur. The peace of God, in which we find rest, contentment, hope, joy, and security in the Lord, is the immediate fruit of thanksgiving. When the peace of God floods our souls, our hearts are guarded from unwise, hasty, or sinful affections – such as anger, vengefulness, resentment, fear, or hatred.

Similarly, our minds, under the influence of God’s perfect peace, are kept from wicked thoughts – plotting and scheming, hateful attitudes, doubts, and so forth.

The peace that Jesus gives can enable us to overcome every adversity, every trial (Jn. 16.33); but that peace is only available through thanksgiving.

Do not doubt the power of genuine thanksgiving – not being thankful, necessarily, but giving thanks as an act of obedience and trust. God will meet you in the thanksgiving solution, and His peace will strengthen your soul.

Anyone can fret, grumble, whine, complain, or get even. It takes a person of grace and faith to give thanks.

Psalm 106.1-3, 48 (Trust in Jesus: ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”)
Praise the Lord! Give thanks and praise Him! He is good, His love endures!
More His works than can be spoken; let His praise be ever sure!
Blesséd be our God and Savior, evermore His praise proclaim!
Let all those who know His favor praise His holy glorious Name!

There is no King but You, O Lord, in all the earth! All thanks and praise and glory and honor be Yours, Lord God! Adapted from Saltair na Rann