Thanking God in advance

Philippians 4:6 states, "In all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart." 

What Paul is saying is that we should thank God while we are asking, not just after the answer comes.  We should thank God not just after the answer comes but while we are asking.

Here's a sample prayer that shows this:  "Thank you, Lord, that you've already provided for so many of my needs.  I thank you for what you have provided in the past and what you are going to provide in the future.  Here is what I need right now."

It's a Biblical principle: 

I am to thank God before He brings the answer.
I am to thank God before He brings the solution.
I am to thank God before He brings the miracle I so desperately need.

"Thank you God that the answer is coming!"

"Thank you God that the solution is already there"!

"Thank you God that for the miracle that is already present!"

Here's what I know:

Thanksgiving is not just looking back on the blessings you have received in the past.  Thanksgiving is looking forward to the blessings you can receive as you come before God with faith and thank Him in advance.

We as Spirit-filled believers are to give thanks to God on a continual basis.  It should be like breathing, and how long could you survive if you breathed only once in a while? 

In 2 Chronicles 20, we find King Jehoshaphat facing serious trouble.

The Bible tells us in chapter 20:2, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the sea."  And then in chapter 20:12, "O our God (this is Jehoshaphat praying), will you not judge them?  For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."  And finally in chapter 20:21, "After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:  "Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endure forever." 

As they went out to face this huge army, they gave thanks to God.  And the enemy of Israel was completely destroyed.

Let's give thanks today!

In fact, for the next two days, I would encourage you to pause and thank God for his blessings.  For the next two days, I encourage you to pause and say, "Lord, I thank  you."  Then name something that you thank him for.  And receive!

Have a great, happy, safe and blessed Thanksgiving!