Why is giving thanks to God so important? Everything that we have ‘that is good’ is a gift from God. By being thankful it keeps our heart and mind in the proper relationship with our Father. God honors the praises of His people. Ask yourself, how much time would be required for me to remember the number of times I purposely set aside for me to express my appreciation for His favor in my life. Giving thanks reminds us of how much we do have. By expressing our thankfulness makes us feel good about ourselves. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could always be thankful and share our love and joy with one another?
However, we must be honest with ourselves, not all circumstances that come our way are enjoyable. When we encounter life’s emotions like ie: grief, anger, jealousy, and un forgiveness , we need to learn how to accept and deal with those trials. Rejoice, in all circumstances, because we can be confident and assured that our Father in Heaven will provide us with the necessary wisdom and spiritual strength to endure. We must be responsible and demonstrate our faith and trust in Him, standing firm in prayer and supplication, maintaining a positive attitude, being patient, understanding, and humbling ourself with selflessness. Giving Him thanks in difficult times by maintaining a thankful heart helps us to ward off harmful emotions and attitudes that steal our joy.
Always remember, be thankful for the greatest gift of all, the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. He came to this earth to teach us, to be our example, He took on the sins of the world so that we may have eternal life, an indescribable free gift. His love, His forgiveness, His grace is abundant for all of His children.
Let God always find us to be grateful with a heart of thanksgiving.
Below are a few Bible verses that may provide additional comfort.
1 Thessalonians 5. 16-18.. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Romans 8.28.. We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Philippians 4. 6-7.. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 100. 4-5.. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His court with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting. And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 105. 1.. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name.
Psalm 118. 29.. Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Proverbs 3. 5.. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.
James 2. 1-3.. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1. 12.. Blessed is the man who endures temptations.
James 4. 6.. God resist the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
2 Corinthians 12. 9.. My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Colossians 3. 15.. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
Make every effort to spend time in God’s word, it will change your life.
Submitted by LRL
