Giving Thanks Isn't Just for Turkeys

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“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His

 courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”  
(Psalm 100:4)

The concept of thanksgiving is not new. Webster defines it this way:  the act of giving thanks; a prayer expressing gratitude; a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness.

As Christians, we should acknowledge God’s goodness and provision in our expression of thanksgiving.  God’s Word implores us to give thanks unto Him. Both the Old and New Testament books of the Bible encourage us to have an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 50:14 tells us to, “Offer to God thanksgiving.”  Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…”  The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6 declares, “…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  We are to develop and display a grateful heart.

Our expression of gratefulness to God is found in our praise of Who God IS.  He is El Elyon – The Most High.  He is the omnipotent God, the one who rules and reigns eternal.  He is also Adonai – Lord, Master, and Owner.  In Genesis 15, God told Abram he would be his shield and reward.  Abram said,  “O Lord [Adonai], GOD [Jehovah], what wilt Thou give me, since I am childless?” God was his Lord and Master of all things concerning him.  The most sacred name for God is Jehovah GOD (Yahweh). He is the all self-existent God who spoke everything into being. Moses knew God in an intimate way and beheld His Glory face to face.

Heartfelt thanksgiving for Who God IS blesses us and blesses Him.

We often don’t display thankfulness for those closest to us.  Family, friends and co-workers are often short-changed when it comes to giving thanks.  We all but forget their worthiness of our expressions of gratefulness.  I thank God for my husband who is generous, devoted, trustworthy, and responsible.  Thanking God for our children, though not perfect, keeps them at the center of our prayers and praises.  Find a friend and thank them for their encouragement or support during a difficult time.  Your co-worker may need thanking for the kind comment they shared at the office.  Thank a stranger for their service and dedication to their chosen profession.  Thank your pastor or lay-minister for a message or bible study they shared.  Thank your parents for their valuable love and wisdom afforded to you over the years.  

Express your thanksgiving in a tangible way.  Express it often – and always in love.

Finally, thank Jesus for your salvation.  If we had nothing else to be thankful for, that would be sufficient!  Oh, how we thank Him for rescuing us from certain destruction and eternal doom.  Paul declares in II Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  May we always be ready to tell others about our Savior and His gift.

For the Christian, thanksgiving is an action word – a  continual state of living as we outwardly express our love and devotion to Him.  Happy Thanksgiving – May Blessings Abound Always and in All Things!

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; 

blessed is the man who trusts in Him. (Psalm 34:8)

 Listen to this wonderful worship song - Give Thanks

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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Giving Thanks Isn't Just for Turkeys