Waxing Stronger in Gratitude

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Friday, January 23, 2026

Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) — “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Today's meditation provides us a biblical foundation for resilience in unfavorable conditions. A consciousness that gratitude should not be mood-dependent. We give thanks, not with the atitude that fluctuates with daily mood, but one that is consciously positive in the face of negativity. It is our expected faith-filled response to circumstances based on our consciousness of God's goodness. As we have been blessed with such a year of waxing very strong, ingratitude will always blind us to miracles in motion.

To wax stronger in gratitude, we must see God's hand in every season, and choose to thank Him before our breakthrough comes. Gratitude increasing happiness by releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that both improve resilience and train our brain to focus on good things, even in tough times. So, when we are grateful, we are better and stronger in mind, body, sleep, relationships, and overall improved well-being.

Gratitude shifts atmosphere and accelerates answers. God inhabits the praises of His people. Waxing stronger in gratitude this year means thanking God for promises in transit, doors cracking open, battles already won in heavenly courts. True gratitude magnifies God's power over your problems. To wax stronger in gratitude is to keep an altar of thanks even when you need miracles.

This is here, aptly, described by the apostle as the will of God in Christ Jesus. He understands that there are blessings reserved for those whose mouths overflow with appreciation. That is why we are promoting the desire to share testimonies in our gatherings. A church that celebrates every kindness of God waxes stronger in the will of God. Such assembly grows into a citadel of breakthroughs and miracles. This has been proven: when a church publicly celebrates God’s goodness, through testimonies, they trigger unusual spiritual atmosphere that provokes even more testimonies.

So, this year, even if and when circumstances tempt complaint, do not let the shadows fall upon you. Instead, let gratitude become your weapon. Waxing stronger in gratitude transforms you into God's megaphone of praise. As long as your grateful heart draws others into worship and wonder of God, it will also become your shield against life's challenges. You will find yourself waxing stronger in health because negative circumstances are already countered with thankfulness.

Can I declare upon someone, today, that, in the name of Jesus, gratitude shall be the soundtrack of your heart, transforming you into a radiant megaphone of God’s goodness and praise in the assemblies of God’s people according to Psalm 149:1-4 and Psalm 111:1. Let this begin with you; and as you focus on giving thanks, you'll find others drawn to celebrating God's goodness, not just together with you; but also joining such symphony of worship in which gratitude shapes our perspective, and reshapes our world.

Action Steps: Today, write 10 specific things you're grateful for from last year. Thank God aloud for each. Start a daily "Gratitude Journal" and make telling God's wonderful deeds in the assembly of His people your lifestyle. If you do this at every opportunity, then you are ready to wax stronger in watching your spiritual atmosphere transform.

Quote for the Day: "Gratitude turns what we have into enough. Each thank you opens the door for another chance for gratitude. As we wax stronger in thanksgiving, God multiplies our harvest beyond imagination." — (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, create in me a profoundly grateful heart. Deliver me from murmuring and entitlement. Don't let entitlement block my gratitude, dear Lord. I reject any blindness to your goodness that fosters self-centeredness and discontent instead of thankfulness for blessings. Deliver me from the mindset that focuses on what's lacking or demands more, rather than recognizing past and present help. Open my eyes, Lord, to life's inherent gifts and graces. Teach me to give thanks in everything, knowing this is Your perfect will. Let my life become an endless song of appreciation. In Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with Him today. For further study, read: Psalm 100:4-5; Colossians 3:15-17; Philippians 4:6; Psalm 34:1.

With all my love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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