Thankfulness and Courage


He thanked God, and took courage.--Acts 28: 15.

There was a vital relation between these acts, thanking God and taking courage.

First, when Paul thanked God for His help in the past, it meant a recommittal to his mission. He had endured many hardships; but in spite of that, he saw grounds for gratitude. The avowal of his gratitude implied a determination to commit himself anew to the task before him. And when one commits himself to an undertaking, the very act quickens his courage and strengthens him for the undertaking.

Second, giving thanks brightened Paul's outlook. He saw new hope and promise in the things for which he gave thanks. He saw that, notwithstanding the opposition and privations he had suffered, there was no occasion for discouragement, but rather reasons for a cheerful view. Hence, the renewal of his courage. There is no better cure for downcastness than giving thanks. When we consider what we have to be grateful for, our hardships seem less hard, and our work and circumstances look more encouraging. Thankfulness paints a rainbow in the darkest clouds. The thankful spirit is always optimistic. And optimism inspires courage.

Third, Paul found renewal of courage in his thankfulness, because in the act of giving thanks he was brought up face to face with God. “He thanked God, and took courage.” He saw God back of his life, his mission, his sufferings, his blessings, his triumphs. Viewing God's power and love and mercy, and seeing these in relation to his own life and needs, how could he but take courage? We never see God in His goodness and love, and in the blessed sense of personal relationship with Him, until we see Him through grateful eyes. We must be thankful to really know God. And to know Him, to keep Him ever in view as the source of all our good and the sponsor of our work and purpose, is to have an unfailing inspiration and courage. The heart that sees and knows God, is always a brave heart.

Make the matter personal. Thank God, and dedicate yourself anew to your vocation and duties. In doing so, you will get a heightened vision of God and a brightened vision of the future. The result will be a renewal of your confidence and courage.