Thankful

The expression of gratitude is a commendable trait and one which is divinely approved (Phil. 4:6-7). An examination of the New Testament reveals several contexts in which thanksgiving was freely exercised.

Thanksgiving may be expressed in contexts dealing with spirituality, including our spiritual warfare within (Rom. 7:23-25), our knowledge of others’ godly life (Eph. 1:16), or remembering the fellowship of other Christians (Phil. 1:3-5). Or, it may be expressed as we experience anxiety in life (Phil. 4:6), as we are being built up in Christ (Col. 2:7), or as we realize anew the manifestation of God in creation (Rom. 1:20-21).

Thanksgiving may be expressed in contexts dealing with religious observances. Such was done as Christ ate His last Passover meal with the disciples (Mt. 26:18-20) and in the church’s assembly (1 Co. 14:16-17).

Thanksgiving may be expressed in teaching contexts. The parable of the Pharisee and the publican included the expression of thanks (Luke 18:9-14). The Apostle Paul expressed thanksgiving as he penned the Roman epistle (Rom. 1:8) and as he discussed the act of speaking in tongues (1Co. 14:18). He also expressed thanks as he discussed fainting not in the ministry (2 Co. 4:15).

Thanksgiving may be expressed in contexts involving persecution. The apostle Paul expressed thanks as he faced false accusations before Felix (Acts 24:1-3), as he was about to be become shipwrecked (Acts 27:27-44), and as he journeyed closer to Rome (Acts 28:14-15). One may express thanks as another endangers his life for fellow Christians (Rom. 16:3-4) and as one is persecuted as a child of God (2 Co. 1:11).

Thanksgiving may be expressed even amidst congregational division. Such was done amidst judgmental differences (Rom. 14:6), concerning spiritual leaders in the congregation (1 Co. 1:4, 14), and as some were able to conscientiously partake of food offered unto idols (1 Co. 10:30).

Thanksgiving may also be expressed as we feed the hungry (Mt. 15:36), as we help needy saints (2 Co. 9:11-12), as we receive healing (Luke 17:11ff), and in contexts of life and death (John 11:41).

Thanksgiving can be expressed in a multitude of situations. Things don’t always have to be good or easy in our life for us to be thankful. We have the choice and ability to always see the best in any situation we may face. The reason we may find it easy to do at times, is because we have God. No matter how good or bad things go in our life, God will always be there for us. Even at the end of all things for our lives we can be thankful that God will take us home with for eternity. If you find it hard to be thankful for anything in your life, maybe you have not yet become a child of the one that brings ultimate joy. If choose to follow Him, no matter the good or bad that may come, your life can have joy and peace and that is something outstanding to be thankful for.

As I ponder over things in this life and the things I should have done, I awaken to the fact that I still can do the things I should have done long ago. The thing that comes to mind first is that I should have been much more thankful for what I was blessed with. When the inspired writer of Malachi writes in 1:2, it says this, “”I have loved you,” says the Lord, But you say, “How have you loved us?”” The Jews during this time were not very thankful for what God had done for them. Even though this is written to the Jews, it still can apply to us today.

Are we thankful for all that God has done for us? Or do we say I am not very blessed, just look at my situation in this life. We all just need a calculator to start numbering all that our God has blessed with and be so thankful. I understand it today but as I was growing up I should have been more thankful for my family. I was very blessed to have parents who really loved me and gave their all to make me the person that I am. Not only my parents but my whole family, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. As I look back in time when all these members were here, I should have been even more thankful. You really don’t understand these great blessings until you don’t have them any longer. Most of us could relate to this and understand how we have been blessed, so we must be thankful.

In my youth I was blessed by a great church family. Elders and preachers who were great examples but I should have been more aware of how much they loved me and taught me about God. There was a little old lady who told me a story from the Bible that I still remember, Alice was her name. I wish I could tell them all thank you for helping for this person called Jack.

The things that should never come from me at this point in life is that I am ungrateful for all the blessings that come from our God. Our God has given His Son to me. God has given us the hope that carries us thru every day. He will bless us with the hope of heaven if we are true and obedient to Him.

Psalm 111 says, “Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart, In the company of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them. Splendid and majestic is His work, And His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonders to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and compassionate. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever. He has made known to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; They are performed in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.”

I am thankful. Will you be? – Jack Hawes

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

We Should be Thankful