Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son!
Ephesians 1:16

I believe that the enemy, who accuses us to God day and night (Revelations 12:10, Job 1:9-11), is thwarted when we offer up thanksgiving for His individual children. My voice is more meaningful than Satan's. My voice calls more attention to the heart of God than that of the accuser. When I give thanks for His children I fill His ears with pleasurable thoughts.

Think how a continual bad report about your child drains your life flow. Like a drippy faucet in the night, it becomes a weight on your nerves that is unbearable. Then think about the effect when praise for your child comes in. Your whole being is lifted and filled with joy and pride.

I believe that the presence of thanks is restorative to God's heart. Paul gave thanks to God for the Ephesians and I believe it was a source of warfare against the accuser, accusing them of whatever. It is a staying force in behalf of those for whom you are expressing gratitude; it is an intercession for their souls and a ministry of therapy to God. To hear of His children with grateful appreciation, I believe lightens the heart of God our Father.

In his life and therefore his letters, Paul always set the precedent for us of thanking God for the people he was sent to serve.

We accuse one another in our hearts and with our words and the enemy accuses us to God. What a weight!  How heavy that must be on His heart that is so open and loving towards us.

And here a balm offered to this King of Glory; a healing balm for One who needs ministry.  Minister unto the Lord, offer to Him thanks and gratitude for His children.  Counter the onslaught of negative thoughts and feelings thrown at Him night and day.  Offer a standard of gratitude with our prayers.  Praise God that our prayers might be restorative to His Father's heart and intercessory against the barrage of derogatory sludge thrown in His direction.

I have to imagine that our Mediator, at the right hand of God, who continually intercedes for us (Romans 8:34), also does not cease to give thanks for us as part of His plea.  Let's join Him in His supplication to the Father. Let's let Him give thanks through us. Let's include the thanks that God is due for the process He is willing and doing in the lives of His individual children (Phil 2:13), all the while clothing them with gratitude as He performs this awesome work.

To grumble and complain is to come in line with the one who seeks to rob, kill and destroy. To enter this gives your energies and agreeing power to the side against the Kingdom.  What a waste of your time and life and more than that, how destructive for your own soul.

Gird up and give thanks.  Shield and strengthen your brothers and sisters and let your grateful thanksgiving exalt and bless Him.

Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you [yourselves] may not be judged. Look! The Judge is [already] standing at the very door.  James 5:9 Amplified

Copyright © 2005 John Enslow