Ingratitude and obstinate hearts are not admirable traits for anyone. Since God gives us life, He should receive a constant expression of praise, honor, and gratitude with a heart of thanksgiving. God is the only source for all blessings in life as Psalm 36:9 confirms, “For with you is the fountain of life.” God even blesses the nonbeliever, “For he makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)
We should bless the name of the LORD, and express gratitude for all His many blessings, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:2) Do not overlook the many spiritual provisions in your life. Psalm 107:8 is another of the many passages expressing the reasons for having a grateful heart, “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!” Psalm 138:8 indicates being thankful to God for His sovereign purpose, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.” Moreover, another basis for thanking God is delivering His people from their enemies, “But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever.” (Psalm 44:7-8) God has delivered believers from many situations, and in recognition of that, gratitude ought to always be a priority in our prayers. Furthermore, we should express thanksgiving to Him for our loved ones in heaven who are with Him and allowing us to enjoy their lives while they were with us. Psalm 116:15,17, mentions “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” and “I will offer to you sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.” Believers are always encouraged to have a grateful heart toward God.
In addition, in times of disasters and personal afflictions, the Bible reveals that God permits His people to experience periods of suffering to condition and strengthen their faith and increase their perseverance. Often Bible teachers and pastors teach that God allows his people to experience short term afflictions to bring about long term spiritual benefits. The Apostle Peter provides encouragement that the suffering believer can live triumphantly even while suffering unjustly. Peter shares two exhortations: “if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name” (1 Peter 4:16). Also in verse 19, “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
What a wonderful reality that thanksgiving is also related to our salvation which in the Old Testament on many occasions can refer to physical deliverance as well. For example, Psalm 50:23, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” Today, Christians give God thanks for His eternal Son bringing salvation to sinners. Therefore, God shows mercy to sinners and we should express a grateful heart. Isaiah 12:1 states, “You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away.”
In summary, so many things can be mentioned regarding thanksgiving. Giving thanks to the Creator God brings one closer to Him and enables the believer to experience salvation and many other personal blessings. Always have an attitude of gratitude. Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday and be grateful to God for the blessings received in life.
George L. Arroyo