GIVE THANKS! – PART 2 – POWER OF THANKSGIVING!..

 

The popular chorus, “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done…”; is a testimony of the need to give thanks to God, no matter the circumstances. God’s goodness and mercy are not in doubt; from the Old Testament to the New Testament and the contemporary world. As human beings, we are enjoined to constantly express appreciation of this divine attribute, not just at the end of each year, but throughout the year. The founding fathers of America, recognized the need for thanksgiving and instituted it as a national culture, which is now marked officially on the fourth Thursday in November. 

David in all his challenges, wars and victories, constantly gave thanks to God. We see this in 1 Chronicles 16:8-9 “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” NIV. The Psalmist lays great emphasis on the mercies of God as something to be thankful for: Psalms 136:1-4 “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

In the New Testament, Jesus gave thanks for physical food (John 6:11, 23), for answered prayer (John 11:41), and for the bread of the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:17, 19; cf. 1 Cor.11:24). There are physical blessings that demand thanksgiving. Among these are healing, food, peace, deliverance from dangers; especially unseen battles. The Apostle Paul, regularly expressed thanks for blessings bestowed on the churches in addition to his personal benefits in the course of his ministry. There are instances where he was delivered from bondage, others sacrificed their labor for him, and he was bestowed with gifts (1 Cor. 14:18).

Today, we are being reminded on the need to constantly give thanks to God in all circumstances. No matter what the economy is saying, or the supposed contrary circumstances, God is faithful and His mercies indeed endure forever. If in doubt, let us embark on a counting exercise or challenge of our blessings. Over and beyond this, it is a command to give thanks: 1 Thess. 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. KJV. Our five-part series for the month of December, “Give Thanks”, is a fitting tribute to God who has brought us thus far in the year. Join us this and every Sunday, as we explore the theme.

God bless you.

#Give #Thanks #AppreciateGod #DivineGoodness#MercyOfGod  #EdenSquareChristianAssembly #DecemberSeries #EdenSquareTv #BasilChukwuezi #JoinUsThisSunday