Sometimes when life gets difficult, it is difficult to see God’s goodness. The Bible is full of reminders of everything He does, for which believers should thank Him. He created each person, imbuing that individual with a soul, reason, and a will, as explained in Genesis and the Psalms. He takes care of the daily needs of all living creatures, a point that Jesus touched on in His teachings (Matthew 6:25-32).
God loves humanity, constantly seeking to have a relationship with each person. Despite the sins of man, God still wanted that relationship, and so He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die as a substitute, taking on the sins of the world so people could be reconciled with Himself.
When someone does something nice, it is polite to thank that person. God gave us everything we have, and then saved us from our sins! He redeemed sinful man, and whoever calls in the name of the Lord can be saved forever. These are the big things He has done for everyone, and He does so much more on a daily business. Just like Psalm 107 reminds the reader, God is patient with people when they sin, when they turn away, and when they are disobedient. He deserves thanks for that patience.
How Do We Give Thanks to God?
Thanking God does not have to be complicated. Just like saying “thank you” to a person for a kindness is simple, but effective, giving thanks to God can be a short prayer of gratitude. Just like David put out creative talents to write songs of thankfulness, everyone has a talent they can use to express their love.
Singing and worshipping, prayer, and acknowledging God’s goodness are some wonderful ways to give thanks to the Creator, the Savior, and Friend.
Giving thanks should be a daily part of the Christian life because God does things every day that are deserving of that thanks.
A Prayer to Give Thanks to the Lord
Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Teach me to be joyful always, to pray continually and to give thanks in all my circumstances. I accept them as Your will for my life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). I long to bring pleasure to Your heart daily. Break the power of the enemy in my life. Defeat Him through my sacrifice of praise. Change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment with my present circumstances. I thank You for… [Name a difficult circumstance in your life presently and thank God for it.]
Jesus, I want to be like You who obeyed the Father without complaint. You embraced the chains of humanity when You walked this earth. Convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. Give me Your attitude of humility and thankful acceptance. I want to be like the Apostle Paul who learned contentment in every circumstance. I choose to continually offer You a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that give praise to Your name (Hebrews 13:15). I long to bring a smile to Your face. Teach me the power of a thankful heart. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart.
“I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens” (Psalm 7:17-18:1). In Jesus’ name, amen. (Debbie Przybylski)
Sources
Davenport, Jim. An Attitude of Thankfulness. Self-Published, 2014.
Wilmington, H.L. Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1981.
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