The Bible has much to say about being thankful, and its message runs contrary to the nature of man. In Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18) The Bible is full of unshakable promises and sufficient reasons needed in order to give thanks in all things, even in 2022! When the Bible says to give thanks in all things, it asks people to thank God for blessings both visible and invisible. When He blesses, thank Him, and thank Him for the things unseen that He is working together for our good and His glory. This attitude of gratitude encourages us to adjust and re-focus our priorities. Thanking God for blessings through praise and prayer is the first step, and the second is by turning away from earthly wants and desires and focusing on the future promises that will matter forever, that are guaranteed by the Word of God, so there is always something to thank Him for, even if current circumstances are difficult.
I would like for us to focus on God’s Word in giving THANKS for all God is and does this Thanksgiving:
T-rust “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6) “Trust in God at all times, you people. Pour out your heart in His presence. God is our refuge.” (Psalms 62: 9)
H-ope “I will hope continually and will praise God more and more.” (Psalms 71: 14) “For in hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what He sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, then we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8: 24-25) “…it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, both firm and steady—a hope that enters the inner place behind the curtain.” (Hebrews 7: 18-19)
A-bundance “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than we ask or imagine, by means of His power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the community of believers and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3: 20-21) ”Indeed, I will bring health and healing, and I will surely heal them. I will reveal to them an abundance of -peace and truth.” (Jeremiah 33: 6)
N-ame “Like Your Name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteousness.” (Psalms 48: 11) “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to Your Name be the glory—because of Your love and Your faithfulness.” (Psalms 115: 1) “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3: 17) “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16: 17-18)
K-indness “For His lovingkindness is great toward us. And the truth of the LORD is everlasting, Praise the LORD!” (Psalms 117: 2) “Answer me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me.” (Psalms 69: 16) “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wing.” (Psalms 36:7)
S-acrifice “For then He (Jesus) would have need to suffer again and again from the foundation of the world. But as it is, He has been revealed once and for all at the close of the ages—to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” (Hebrews 9: 26) “Through Jesus then, let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips giving thanks to His Name. Do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13: 15-16)
Jesus prayed to His Father, “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have joy fulfilled in themselves.” (John 17: 13) He wants those who love Him to have His joy, and to be thankful for those things which bring joy. May the joy of the Lord be our strength and praise this Thanksgiving!