1 Thes. 5:8, in everything give thanks.
There is no wrong time to give thanks. Corrie ten Boom wrote in the Hiding Place that she and the other prisoners thanked God for fleas. It seems the fleas kept the guards away, and they could read her Bible in peace.
The Bible says God inhabits our praises. It's easy to think of giving thanks for food and clothing. But are you thankful if you lose a ballgame so you can demonstrate good sportsmanship? Or how about giving up a chance to see a concert of your favorite singer, just so you can tutor a student in math? These are "sacrifice of praise" (Heb. 13:15) When we thank God, we are sacrificing ourselves so God will get the praise and glory.
We may not realize the accumulative impact of our giving thanks, but when it is a habit, we will receive blessings from it.
