As we are, but, a short few days away from what we celebrate as “thanksgiving day” in Canada; many of us have long-seated traditions that are dear to our hearts. These traditions and moments most often unite families together to “give thanks”.
Some, on the other hand, do not necessarily celebrate per say but they take advantage of the federal holiday to rest or have a more quiet time. Such people are thankful for the day off that brings refreshing change to their sometimes fast-paced schedule. Whether you take the opportunity this weekend to appreciate family, health, or financial stability even in these times of great inflation; it is important to give thanks!
God through His word; encourages us to be thankful. The Bible shows us that there are so many things to be thankful for but it also weaves a pattern that makes ever so clear that even in Times when we cannot pinpoint what to be thankful for; the Lord nevertheless desires for us to live with an attitude of thankfulness.
Throughout scripture there is a lot of emphasis about this; which brings me to believe this must be important to God. So let’s explore it together.
Evidently the exact number of occurrences will vary all depending on the specific translation being used, however from what I’ve found; in the King James Version, the word “thanks” appears 71 times, “thanksgiving” appears 29 times, and “thankful” appears 4 times.
With statements like …
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18
And on that day you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the LORD in song, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth. Isaiah 12:4-5 (NASB)
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! 1Chronicles 16:34 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, and the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth’ the heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land. Psalms 95:1-5 (NKJV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ and who makes manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
This is a lot of scripture but it is good for us to see that even in this small fraction of the number of times God speaks of giving thanks, thankfulness and thanksgiving to ultimately develop an attitude of gratitude in all situations.
In such few scriptures we are still able to see the message of the Gospel, the instructions for living a life that pleases God and our undeniable need for a saviour with the revelation of just how good he is.
We also see how thankfulness and joy work hand in hand. Meaning, the more thankful you are, the greater joy you experience.
So if there is anything that is praiseworthy and worth being thankful for let us be thankful for God himself who loves YOU so much and gives every good and perfect gift. So, I encourage us all when I say: let us be thankful for the giver and not just the gift.
As I conclude, join with me in saying “Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:13 (NKJV)
Blessings
