As we enter our annual celebration of Thanksgiving, we take a moment to take inventory of our accomplishments and achievements over the past year and offer up thanks for all we have and attained. Hopefully, we reach out to those who have made that possible and offer a special word of thanks for their contribution.
The word thanks appears 109 times in the Bible, mostly in thanks to God who is the source of our life and the originator of our faith.
In Psalm 107, this praise is stated 4 times. David is prodding us to give thanks to God for His mercy and the blessings He has bestowed on His children aka mankind.
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107
In Philippians, we are taught how to pray:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4
Before Jesus multiplied the bread and the fish, he offered it up to God and gave thanks and fed 5,000. I believe the multiplication occurred because Jesus gave thanks and God multiplied and blessed it.
When you really think about it, what have we done to get where we are today? Was it by our own actions or choices? Or was it by the guiding Hand of God who placed certain people in our lives or placed us in situations that resulted in prosperity? Isn’t it God who created us and allowed us to experience this consciousness called life? It may not be perfect but it has to be much better than unconsciousness. Rainbows and the laughter of children don’t exist when we are unconscious.
When we pray to God in thanks and offer up our requests AFTER our offer of thanks for His blessing, chances are our prayers will be heard and responded to in one way or another.
Next week, when you sit down and enjoy your turkey and stuffing or ham and sweet potatoes, take some extra time and thank the One who has made it ALL possible. Thank God for his goodness and wonderful works He has bestowed upon the children of men.
“in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5
That is the Whole Truth
And remember God always answers His kneemail.
