Psalm 65:11 declares that God crowns the year with His goodness, and Psalm 68:19 says He daily loads us with benefits. Taken together these scriptures typify the need to always thank God for His constant provision, support and blessings to us. Thanksgiving should not be restricted to a program, once in a month or at the end of the year. It is a lifestyle which demonstrates the profound expression of gratitude towards God, emphasizing acknowledgment of His goodness, mercy, and blessings throughout Scripture and in our individual lives.
Thanksgiving is not merely a polite expression of gratitude; it is a significant act of worship and acknowledgment of God's role in our lives. The Hebrew word for thanksgiving, "ydh," appears frequently in the Old Testament and signifies acknowledging what is right about God in praise and thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:34). In the New Testament, the Greek term "eucharisteo" is used, which means to show oneself grateful and is closely associated with the practice of the Eucharist, or Communion, where Jesus gave thanks before breaking bread (1 Corinthians 11:24).
We find thanksgiving as a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, it was integral to the worship practices of ancient Israel, where offerings of thanksgiving were made in the temple, and psalms of gratitude were sung regularly. For instance, Psalm 107:1 states, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" This reflects the deep connection between gratitude and recognition of God's enduring love and faithfulness. In the New Testament, thanksgiving is emphasized as a vital aspect of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul frequently encourages believers to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to present their requests to God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). This practice is rooted in the belief that all good gifts come from God (James 1:17). Jesus modeled thanksgiving during significant moments, such as before feeding the 5,000 and at the Last Supper, reinforcing the importance of gratitude in worship.
As believers, thanksgiving fosters a spirit of gratitude that transforms our perspective on life and faith. It encompasses praise, acknowledgment of God's goodness, and a call to live a life marked by gratitude. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's blessings in our lives. Our four-part series for the month of December, “Thanksgiving”, is a fitting tribute to God who has brought us thus far in the year. Join us this Sunday, as we explore the theme and conclude the series.
God bless you.
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