You are probably familiar with the verses in the Bible which say - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV) They are some of the best-loved, most comforting of all the Scriptures.

Recently, the Lord showed me these verses in the CEV version, and I saw them in a fresh, new way. "Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do." As I meditated on these verses, I sensed the Holy Spirit saying, "Keep thanking God for Jesus!"

I have thanked God for Jesus many times over the years, but this was different. It was a fresh revelation that brought me into a new level of gratitude to God for all that Jesus is, and all that He has done for me. And I have made it a regular practice now to thank the Father continually for my Savior. I have even asked the Spirit of God to remind me to do this very thing on a regular basis.

And you know what? I have been feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally since I have been giving exuberant thanks for the Lord Jesus. And my joy level has increased dramatically. When was the last time you thanked God for Jesus with every fiber of your being?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your precious Son, Jesus. Thank You that He suffered and died so that I could be forgiven and free from every sin, bondage, and evil addiction - and so that I could be healed and made whole in my spirit, soul, mind, and body. Remind me to give thanks for Jesus with all of my heart on a regular basis, and help me to never take Him for granted. Today, I stand on Your precious promise in Romans 8:32 (AMPC), which says: "He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?"