The words, “give thanks to the Lord” are found many times in the scriptures. We are learning more all the time how gratitude has a positive outcome on our bodies, minds, and hearts. So, why don’t we give thanks? Maybe it’s the spirit of always wanting something better or maybe it’s the attitude of turning away from the obvious.
Romans 1:18–21 (ESV) — 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Notice how men have enough evidence to know the power of God through creation but they turn from it and neither honor Him nor give thanks to Him. In other words, as you look at God’s creation, you should be drawn to give thanks to Him. How about all the things He has done for you? How about all the things in which you are blessed to partake? Sounds like we should focus on being thankful to God every day. Precisely!
Psalm 100:4 (ESV) — 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Psalm 92:1 (ESV) — 1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
Psalm 140:13 (ESV) — 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
There’s an account in the book of Luke when ten lepers were healed by Jesus. As they were going to show the priest they had been healed, as Jesus instructed, only one turned back to give thanks.
Luke 17:15–17 (ESV) — 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?
Where are all the other people who have been blessed? How about you?
Do you realize that even your gratitude is made acceptable to God, the Father by the Lord Jesus Christ – which is another reason to be thankful.
Ephesians 5:20 (ESV) — 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
We are told to make sure that we include gratitude in our prayers, especially when we are feeling anxious about things.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) — 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Gratitude will get your mind, your heart, and even your body out of the doldrums or depression and empower you to go forward. Don’t take the command, the example, and the instruction to be thankful lightly. It’s there for God’s glory and for your good.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
