The Promise of Gratitude
A Guide to Gratitude • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Title: The Power of Gratitude
Title: The Power of Gratitude
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 & Habakkuk 3:17-19
Theme: Gratitude gives strength and perspective even in adversity.
Series Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labour of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no meat; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength, And he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, And he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
INTRODUCTION — THANKFUL IN THE THORNS
It’s easy to thank God when life feels good. When bills are paid, bodies are healthy, and doors are opening, gratitude flows naturally.
But the real test of thanksgiving is not in plenty—it’s in pain.
Paul wrote, “In every thing give thanks.” Not for everything, but in everything.
Gratitude is not denial of difficulty; it’s declaration of dependence. It says, “Lord, even when I don’t understand, I still trust You.”
Habakkuk learned this firsthand. His nation was collapsing, crops were failing, and fear filled the land. Yet he declared,
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”(Hab. 3:17-18)
That’s the power of gratitude—it lifts us above what’s happening around us and anchors us in Who reigns above us.
The first step in understanding the power of gratitude is seeing life through God’s perspective. Let’s look at The Perspective of Gratitude.
I. THE PERSPECTIVE OF GRATITUDE
I. THE PERSPECTIVE OF GRATITUDE
Paul begins with three commands. “Rejoice evermore.” (1 Thess. 5:16) Not only rejoicing in happy things, but in sorrows also…
The Christian can rejoice always because their joy isn’t based in circumstances, but in God. Circumstances change, but God doesn’t… I believe the Apostle Paul revealed some monumental views…
A. It Sees Beyond the Moment - (Vs. 16)
Gratitude keeps us from getting trapped in temporary trouble. Paul rejoiced in prison because he saw the bigger picture…
The thankful heart views every trial through eternity’s lens.
As he concluded the Upper Room Discourse, the Lord Jesus gave a provocative explanation for these final instructions he gave to the disciples:
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
The Lord wants his disciples to live in peace. But true peace is not the absence of negative, painful, or difficult realities.
The fact is that the disciples of Christ will have tribulations in this world…
We are not exempt from trouble because we are in Christ.
Following Jesus will bring faith-testing, soul-burdening, and life-threatening pressures. Sickness. Heartbreak. Persecution. Rejection. Disappointment. Loss. We will even face death itself.
Yet we can take heart in the midst of it all, because Christ has overcome the world.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
“Edwards is absolutely right: “God is glorified not only by His glory’s being seen, but by its being rejoiced in.” If we do not rejoice in God, we do not glorify God as we ought.” - John Piper
B. It Selects Its Focus
You can’t always choose your circumstance, but you can choose your focus…
Gratitude looks for the good, even in the grief. We already know that life is one great big roller coaster of trials and emotions…
Jesus says it goes even beyond that…
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Jesus concludes the Beatitudes by applying them personally to His disciples: When you are insulted, persecuted, and slandered because you belong to and follow Him, you are truly blessed.
Instead of despairing, you should rejoice and be exceedingly glad—because this proves you’re walking in the same path as God’s faithful prophets, and an enormous reward awaits you in heaven.
“Joy is the helium of the heart that makes us airborne. It’s the corklike quality of our souls that keeps us buoyant.” - Robert Morgan
Sadness and sorrow befall us in life. Tears come. Disasters strike. But by far and large, the default attitude of the believer is the joy of the Lord. That’s the natural “setting” of the Christlike person. Uplifting, outgoing cheerfulness. Gladness.
What you magnify (Focus on) will determine your mood…
3 O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt his name together.
C. It Strengthens Your Faith
Gratitude feeds faith the way worry feeds fear.
By the time Babylon was through with the land of Judah, there wouldn't be much of value left (Hab 2:17). Buildings would be destroyed, treasures would be plundered, and farms and orchards would be devastated. The economy would fall apart and there would be little to sing about. But God would still be on His throne, working out His divine purposes for His people (Ro 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Habakkuk couldn't rejoice in his circumstances, but he could rejoice in his God!
Thankfulness reminds you of God’s past faithfulness and fuels confidence for tomorrow…
Illustration:
When David faced Goliath, he recalled the lion and the bear—past victories that built present courage. Gratitude for what was gave faith for what will be.
“When we bless God for mercies we usually prolong them, when we bless God for miseries we usually end them.” - C.H. Spurgeon
Gratitude not only shifts our perspective—it shapes our posture before God. Let’s look at The Posture of Gratitude.
II. THE POSTURE OF GRATITUDE - (Vs. 17)
II. THE POSTURE OF GRATITUDE - (Vs. 17)
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17) Christians are to pray continually. We can’t bow our heads, close our eyes, and fold our hands without ceasing, but those are customs of prayer, not prayer itself. Prayer is communication with God, and we can live each minute of the day in a constant, flowing, conversation with God.
There is significant, important value in a time where we shut out all other distractions and focus on God in a time of closet prayer (Matthew 6:6). But there is also room — and great value — in every-moment-of-the-day fellowship with God.
There are many valuable implications from this command:
The use of the voice is not an essential element in prayer.
The posture of prayer is not of primary importance.
The place of prayer is not of great importance.
The particular time of prayer is not important.
A Christian should never be in a place where he could not pray
A. It Is Humble Before God
Gratitude bows low before grace. You can’t be prideful and thankful at the same time.
Every “thank You” is a confession of dependence.
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
The entire promise of answered prayer is attached to this posture.
“The lowest place is the nearest place to God, and the way up is always down.” - AW Tozer
Only when we accept and even love the low place does God lift us—not to make us great in men’s eyes, but to make us useful in His. The posture of gratitude is humility…
B. It Is Honest with God
Habakkuk poured out his questions before he poured out his praise.
2 O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! Even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! 3 Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? For spoiling and violence are before me: And there are that raise up strife and contention. 4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: For the wicked doth compass about the righteous; Therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
“God, why are You silent when Your own people are being crushed by evil and injustice inside the nation?”
1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, And will watch to see what he will say unto me, And what I shall answer when I am reproved.
After God answers that He is raising up the Babylonians (Chaldeans) to judge Judah, Habakkuk explodes with the second question: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil… wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?” (1:13) Then he plants himself on the watchtower and says, “I will stand upon my watch… and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” (2:1)
“God, how can You use someone even more wicked (Babylon) to judge Your people? That seems unjust and makes no sense!”
Those are the exact two cries Habakkuk poured out in protest, confusion, and near-despair.
Only after God answers the second complaint in chapter 2 (“the just shall live by his faith” 2:4) and pronounces five woes on Babylon does Habakkuk move from wrestling questions to the magnificent hymn of praise in chapter 3:
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom… yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (3:17–18)
Habakkuk’s journey was:
Why don’t You stop the evil in Your people?
Why would You use worse evil to judge them? → God answers → Habakkuk chooses faith-filled, trembling, triumphant praise.
That’s the classic pattern of honest, humble prayer that ends in unshakable joy.
God is not offended by your honesty—He’s honored by your surrender.
Gratitude is not pretending the pain is gone; it’s proclaiming that God is good in it.
📖 Psalm 142:1–2
1 I cried unto the Lord with my voice; With my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. 2 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
C. It Is Hopeful in God
Habakkuk’s prayer ends in song: “The Lord God is my strength.”
Gratitude postures the soul to rise above despair and walk in hope.
14 But I will hope continually, And will yet praise thee more and more.
“When joy and prayer are married their first born child is gratitude.” C.H. Spurgeon
Gratitude changes how we see and how we bow—but it also changes how we stand. Let’s close with The Power of Gratitude.
III. THE Promise OF GRATITUDE - (Vs. 18)
III. THE Promise OF GRATITUDE - (Vs. 18)
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thess. 5:18)
I have often heard or been asked, “What is the will of God for my life?”
GodThe revealed will of God is never a mystery—it is always:
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ - John 6:40
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Be sexually pure - 1 Thess 4:3
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Be thankful in everything - 1 Thess 5:18
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Do good and endure patiently - 1 Peter 2:15 Heb 10:36
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Everything else flows from these. When you obey these four, you are smack in the center of God’s will every single day.
Now we are speaking more specifically this morning on the will of God as it pertains to gratitude… I have learned in the christian life prior to people making really dumb decisions normally an ungrateful attitude develops. Prior to making a really dumb decision about your family normally you become quite unthankful for your family…
Prior to the time that you might do something really dumb at work that may cause you to lose your job or you might say something to someone that you wish you would have never said in the first place normally there develops this lack of gratitude.
Somewhere along the line we stopped counting our blessings and naming them one by one…
While there may be 98 blessings we focus on the 2 things that we’re not happy about and we become unthankful.
The world doesn’t celebrate thanksgiving as much anymore because it a holiday that relates to our relationship with God…
I have heard it said of the first Thanksgiving that although the death toll was great the pilgrims still made it a point to gather together to give thanks to God…
Their gratitude didn’t erase their loss—it fueled their strength to begin again.
Because of the lack of emphasis on gratitude many are confused about how to express gratitude.
I want to speak to you for just a moment on living with a gratitude attitude…
A. The Command for Thanksgiving - “In everything give thanks…”
Ungrateful people can very quickly get out of God’s will. When we become focused on what we don’t have or what we are not happy about it’s very easy to step out of the will of God. With respect to your job, marriage, church, whatever it is…
What we see here in verse 18 is the command to give thanksgiving continually… This verb is in the present tense. That teaches there is to be a gratitude attitude at all times in our life.
2 While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
Whatever the circumstances we can give Thanks… I believe we can give thanks with our lips.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Ex. I love the story of the little boy who went to get ice cream after church with his family…
It is becoming a rarity to hear the words, Thank You in our society…
Husbands it’s ok to…
“Praise is the honey that flows from the combs of our experience and makes our life sweet to ourselves and others.” - C.H. Spurgeon
You want to know the will of God? Give Him thanks! You know God wants to hear, Thank you once in a while…
There are still things we can Thank God for…
B. The Consolation - (Vs. 18)
When someone is continuing to give thanks they can know that they are doing what God has called them to do. It no the end of all obedience, but it is on the road to obedience to be continually grateful. Giving thanks in everything is how you stay aligned with His plan.
The knowledge that abiding in the will of God brings a comfort to the life of the believer.
Someone once said, “It is a terrible moment for an atheist when he is truly thankful and has no one to thank.”
Arent you glad this morning you have someone to thank… You have a heavenly father who is the source of all of your blessings.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
We have the privilege of thanking God, and saying so. The consolation of thanksgiving is you are doing what God has called you to do…
Gratitude doesn’t promise an easier path—it promises a stronger walk. Let’s bring this message home.
CONCLUSION — THE STRENGTH TO STAND
Habakkuk said, “He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (Hab. 3:19)
That’s what gratitude does—it gives you footing when the ground shakes.
When you learn to thank God in the valley, you’ll have no trouble praising Him on the mountain.
So as we conclude this series—
Week 1 taught us the Posture of Gratitude: seeing and saying thank You.
Week 2 showed us the Practice of Gratitude: rejoicing, praying, thinking thankfully.
Week 3 reminds us of the Promise of Gratitude: peace in the storm, purpose in the struggle, and strength for the climb.
CLOSING VERSE
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:18)
When gratitude becomes your lifestyle, joy becomes your strength.
