It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving is upon us and we are constantly reminded to be grateful in all things.
We grow so accustomed to hearing about it, that sometimes “giving thanks” becomes just another concept that we begin to ignore.
For the believer in Christ, God places a significant emphasis on being a people who make thanksgiving an integral part of our lives. What is “giving thanks” truly all about?
WHAT IS THANKSGIVING IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN?
As we study the Scriptures, we discover the following truths about why it is important to give thanks:
Thanksgiving is a way of entering the presence of God, as seen in Psalm 100.
Psalm 100:4: invites us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name.”
God says that thanksgiving is the equivalent of an Old Testament sacrifice.
Psalm 116:17 AMP tells us “I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call on the name of the Lord.”
Thanksgiving is a major part of our worship, as seen in Psalm 147:7: “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!”
Thanksgiving is a way to magnify God; In other words, to make God large and important, as stated in Psalm 69:30: “I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Thanksgiving will be a constant theme in Heaven as we join those who worship around God’s throne, as seen in Revelation 7:12: “Saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
It could even be stated that thanksgiving is one of the hallmarks of a Christian. We are to be a people who are always thankful, making thanksgiving a lifestyle.
While those who don’t know Jesus may live with pessimism, bitterness, and frustration, those who have come to know the hope of Jesus can live with thankfulness and joy!
HOW SHOULD WE GIVE THANKS?
God’s Word gives wisdom in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to guide us in a very clear direction.
“Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-19).
”Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:4-6).
”I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:17).
Giving thanks in good circumstances? Well, that’s easy, although if we’re not careful it can sometimes be forgotten in a positive environment.
Giving thanks in bad circumstances? Not so easy. But God expects us to trust him so confidently that even in the worst of times we are certain that his goodness is protecting and guiding us.
NOW LET US PRAY
Holy God, we come to Your presence today to thank You for ALL that You are to us.
Thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Thank You for loving us unconditionally, loving us in spite of us.
Thank You for giving us victory over the power of darkness by being our light.
Thank You for deliverance power over each of our lives.
Thank You for Your healing power, to heal our brokenness.
Thank You for the eternal hope that You promised us
Thank You for blessings and protection over us, our family and loved ones.
Glory to Your holy name Lord. Thank You!
Have a blessed day 
