Giving Thanks

It's usually pretty easy to give thanks for things when life's going well and you're happy with situations in your lives.  But what about the times when things aren't going so well or when you're feeling kind of 'blah'?

Be joyful always; pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

When bad things happen, you might feel cranky and crabby.  You might not feel like giving thanks.  You might have been hurt by a good friend, or gotten into a fight with your parents.  Maybe you got a bad grade on an assignment that you worked really hard on or bombed a test on which you thought you did well. You might want to ask God why He's allowing these bad things to happen if He really loves you.

When you look at all the ways God blesses you, it might help you reevaluate your overall situation.  God gives great and amazing gifts.  He does amazing things.  Do you remember to thank Him?  Maybe you can focus more on praising Him for the good and less time sulking in hard times.  

We all like it when people show appreciation when we do something nice for them.  So does God. He loves it when we praise Him!

 Action Plan to help make you more thankful: 

**Purchase a package of thank-you notes.  

Write a random note of appreciation and/or

gratitude to someone, especially when they

do something nice for you or someone you love. 

Send the cards out until they're all gone.**

Memory Verse: 

**For you created my inmost being; 

you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

(Psalm 139:13-14)**

Affirmations for Youth and Teenagers to Say

I can walk by the spirit - Galatians 5:16-17

I will be a light to all for my God - Matthew 5:14

I am a new creation in God - 2 Corinthians 5:17

I am content with the Lord - Philippians 4:11

I am secure in the Lord - Romans 8:38-39

I am free in You, Lord - Romans 6:18

I am a child of God - John 1:12

I am protected by God's angels - Psalm 91:14-16

The Lord is my refuge - Psalm 91:9-10

Prayer for Teenagers to Pray

Heavenly Father, You are a loving and forgiving God and I ask You Lord to forgive me for all my sins and any unforgiveness that I may have in my heart. I ask You Lord to forgive me for not always making You a priority in my life. I need Your help right now. I am being tempted to do things that are not good for me. Give me strength to say no to these pressures. Help me to find good and Godly things to keep me busy in place of the things that my friends want me to do. You are my strength, Lord. I know, that You understand all the temptations that face us today and what it will take to keep me from being lured in the wrong direction. So, Lord, I trust in You. You know my heart. Help me Lord to receive fully, with understanding, Your Word in James 1:3-4, so that when my faith is tested, my endurance has a chance to grow. I know that You will guide me along the right pathway for my life and that You will advise me and watch over me and that I must have faith in You to do these things for me. You are my counselor and I‘m in need of Your guidance. I don‘t know what to do (Psalm 32:8). Help me to do what You want me to do in all situations that I must face. 


Please Lord, put godly people in my path. I know Lord that there are friends who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). I ask You, Lord to help me find the kind of Christian friends that will be closer than a brother. Help me Lord to be a good and Godly friend to others. Open my eyes to see the good qualities in people around me. There are so many questions that I need to ask and I am torn between finding the truth, and having a good time and keeping my friends. I want to do the right thing instead of wearing a mask and being a phony just to be popular. Heavenly Father, I ask for You to show me Your Face when I feel like giving up. Remind me of Your unconditional love when I seem to have no hope in me. I know Lord that You will continue the battle for me when I can‘t. I want to learn to cling to You when I am going in the wrong direction. Help me to keep my thoughts on You when I become weak. Help me to continue to praise You during these low times. I thank You, Heavenly Father, for reaching down into my world and drawing me close to You. Thank You for allowing me to soak up Your strength during moments like these. I thank you Lord for never giving up on me, even when I‘ve given up on myself. Make me into the worthwhile person you destined me to be. Teach me to know Your Will for my life and to be obedient to You. Do not let anything Lord interfere with Your destiny for my life. I know You have a great plan for me - help me to find it. I praise You Lord for the comfort that You bring by just listening to me. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.