In Spite of everything I’ve Been Through…

I Still Say "Thank You"

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus”.

Why Gratitude Matters

Gratitude isn’t about pretending life is easy. It’s about remembering what God has already done.

You may not feel like singing. You may not know the right moment. But, if you still have breath, you still have time to say “Thank you.”

Bible Context & Meaning

Luke 17:11-19 The one who came back

· Ten lepers were healed by Jesus, but only 1 returned to say “Thank you”

· Jesus highlighted gratitude, not the miracle

Lesson: Don’t just receive the blessing – recognize the “blesser”.

Job 1:21 Thankful in pain

· Job lost all of his children, possessions and security, but he worshiped God in the middle of his loss

Lesson: Gratitude doesn’t deny pain; it trusts God through it.

Psalm 34:1 Praise after the storm

· David wrote this after escaping for his life

· Praise came from looking back not in comfort

Lesson: Sometimes gratitude grows after you realize God kept you.

1 Samuel 1:27 Thankful after waiting

· Hannah prayed for years for a child, but when God answered, she remembered the prayer

Lesson: Don’t forget God when your prayers get answered

LIFE APPLICATION

· Gratitude is a choice, not a feeling

· Saying “Thank You” changes the perspective

· Remembering God’s faithfulness builds faith for the future

Lesson: Most of the time God saved us from things we didn’t even notice.

Reflection Questions

1. What has God brought you through that you forgot to thank Him for?

2. Why is it easier to ask God than to “Thank” God?

3. What does saying “Thank you” look like when life still hurts?

4. How can gratitude change my attitude?

5. Who can I help, to remind them of what God has already done?

Personal Response: In spite of everything I’ve been through, I “Thank” God for…..

Closing Scripture: Psalm 103:2 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

Deacon Aleem