Practicing Thanks

(1 Chr.16:8)

(1 Chr.16:34-35)

. (Ps.28:7)

. (Psm.69:30)

. (Ps.95:2-3)

(Ps.100:4-5)

. (Ps.118:21)

(Jonah 2:9)

. (Isa. 12:4-5)

. (Eph.5:19-20)

. (Phil.4:6-7)

. (Col.1:12-13)

(1 Tim.2:1-3)

On this Thanksgiving weekend we should not forget that every day should be a day of thanksgiving for God’s people.  We are both commanded and encouraged to give thanks and the practice of giving thanks is firmly woven throughout the Bible. Since the flesh always pushes us toward self-sufficiency it’s easy to begin to take blessings for granted and to act as if we are the cause of every good thing in our own lives.  The practice of giving thanks accurately reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from the Father and that what we have is not to be possessed but to be stewarded.

Secondly, giving thanks is a form of praise and worship because it acknowledges the goodness, the grace and the provision of God that is freely given to us by our heavenly Father.  Under the Old Covenant, animals were sacrificed as “thank offerings” in recognition of God’s blessings in a person’s life.  Sacrifices are worship and so giving thanks is an essential form of praise and worship.

We are also told that when we pray with thanksgiving the peace of God will guard our hearts.  Peace comes because as we give thanks we fellowship with the giver of all good things. Being in the presence of God brings peace.  Our giving of thanks also reminds us that God has been faithful in answering prayers and meeting our essential needs in the past and, since he is unchanging, we can expect the same in the future.  When David was preparing himself to face Goliath, he declared that God had already delivered him from a lion and a bear that had attacked his sheep.  Faith operated on the assumption that God would continue to be with David whenever he was in danger. Thanksgiving reminds us of God’s faithfulness in the past so that we can rest in the faith that God will also meet our needs in the future. That assurance brings peace.

Thanksgiving is also a great spiritual weapon because it declares the goodness and faithfulness of God over our lives.  Satan is always whispering the lies that God will not be there for us when we need him or that God is stingy with his blessings.  He constantly assails the character of God in an effort to undermine our belief in his power, goodness, and faithfulness.  A life that takes note of every blessing and every answered prayer from the Father through giving thanks pushes back against the lies of the enemy.

Additionally, relationships flourish when individuals  thank one another for even the small gifts and acts of service that loving people give  one another.  Even those who love unconditionally like a “thank you” from those they love because they know then that their gift was enjoyed.  It is not so different with God.  If we want our relationship with him to flourish, abundant “thank you’s” will be in order.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving yesterday.  My wife Susan and I were blessed with the presence of family, fun, and too much food. That doesn’t sound very spiritual but remember that God loves a good party. I’m certain the he was present at many homes yesterday where people loved God, loved one another, and gave thanks.  That sounds a little bit like heaven.  The challenge is to carry that spirit with us year round because our God is a God worthy of praise and thanksgiving every day.  Be blessed!