Waxing Stronger in Thanksgiving

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026

Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:12–24

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

Thanksgiving is not a mood; it is a discipline anchored in who God is. In a year of waxing very strong, strength without thanksgiving becomes murmuring and entitlement. To wax stronger in thanksgiving is to train your heart to count blessings in every season and to see God’s hand even in the dark. Thanksgiving is not denial of pain; it is acknowledgment of God’s goodness in the midst of it.

Thanksgiving is therefore a powerful posture that shifts atmospheres. God’s will is that you rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances—not for all circumstances, but in them. Waxing stronger in thanksgiving this year means refusing to let complaints be your default language. It begins with remembering: recounting His benefits, mercies, and interventions.

As you cultivate gratitude, your joy will deepen and your perspective will expand. To wax stronger in thanksgiving is to make praise your first response, not your last resort. There are breakthroughs that unlock when grumbling is replaced with gratitude. This year, thanksgiving will require you to intentionally thank God daily for specific things, to testify of His goodness to others, and to sing praise even when emotions lag behind. These are not denial mechanisms; they are faith responses.

Be ready to rebuke self-pity and envy with the weapon of thanksgiving. When you are tempted to compare your journey with others, choose instead to thank God for your own. When disappointments come, let thanksgiving anchor you in the truth that God is still good and still working. Waxing stronger in thanksgiving means a lighter spirit, a healthier soul, and a more welcoming atmosphere for God’s presence.

Action Steps: Today, pause and ask: “Lord, what have I taken for granted lately?” Write down at least ten specific things—spiritual, physical, relational, material—for which you are thankful. Take time to thank God for each, and share at least one testimony with someone else today.

Quote for the Day: “Thanksgiving is the key that turns memory into worship. As you give thanks in all things, you will wax stronger in joy and host God’s presence.” — (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your unending goodness in my life. Forgive me for every complaint and forgetfulness. Teach me to give thanks always, in all circumstances. Let my heart and home this year overflow with gratitude, opening doors to more of Your presence and power. In Your mighty name, Lord Jesus, Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with Him today. For further study, read: Philippians 4:6–7; Colossians 3:15–17; Psalm 34:1–4: and Psalm 103:1–5.

With all my love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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