Giving Thanks
- Lighthouse Team Member
- Nov 21, 2024
- 3 min read
We learn as young children to say "Thank You." When people do something kind for us, like holding open a door, we are taught to say "Thank You." On our birthdays, when someone gives us a gift, we write a thank-you note. Saying "Thank You" shows that we appreciate what others have done for us. It is not surprising that Giving Thanks to God is something the Bible encourages us to do throughout its pages.
(1 Chronicles 16:34)
“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
When we think of Giving Thanks to God, we often associate it with prayer and worship. However, Thanking our Lord can be just as simple as thanking our parents or friends. For example, when your mom makes you dinner and sets your plate in front of you, you might say, "Thanks, Mom." As you reflect on that moment, you can find many ways to express Gratitude to God: ‘Thank You, God, for this food You created’. ‘Thank You, God, for my mom who took the time to prepare this meal’. ‘Thank You, God, for our health and the ability to enjoy this food.’
Giving Thanks to our Lord can be as straightforward as that, or you might choose to say a longer prayer with your family gathered around the table, allowing everyone to join in praising God for the meal he has provided.
(1 Timothy 4:4-5)
“For everything God created is good,
and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
because it is consecrated by the word of God and Prayer.”
Do not shy away from offering a short thank you to God, even if it feels informal. If you are speaking from your heart and expressing gratitude toward Jesus for what he has done for you, you are connecting with him on your spiritual journey.
Sometimes we forget to Give Thanks to God for the simple things in our daily lives.
For example:
Watching your kids run around and laugh on the playground: “Thank You, God, for this time with my amazing children.”
Driving to work: “Thank You, God, for keeping me safe during my daily commute and helping me with my patience and understanding throughout the rest of my day.”
-Looking out your window in the evening and seeing a beautiful sunset: “Oh wow! Thank You, God, for letting me see this beautiful sunset that you created tonight.”
(Psalms 100:3-5)
3) "Know that the Lord Himself is God.
It is He who has made us and not we ourselves;
we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4) Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him; bless His name."
While some individuals may struggle to find reasons to feel grateful this year, experiencing a sense of loss rather than gain, it remains beneficial to acknowledge and express gratitude for what we have. Recognizing the source of these gifts is important; believing individuals are encouraged to thank God, who provides every good gift, with the greatest being His presence in our lives. Regardless of personal circumstances throughout the year, believers are assured of God's constant presence, which is considered a profound gift, greater than any other, and deserving of appreciation.
The best example of this is when Jesus showed how to give thanksgiving in his darkest hour: facing betrayal and death on the cross. He still Gave Thanks to God.
On the fateful evening, Jesus was betrayed,
He shared a last meal with those closest to Him.
Despite knowing what lay before Him,
He nevertheless gave thanks when He took the cup
(Matthew 26:26,27).
In both good and challenging circumstances, taking a moment to express gratitude by Giving Thanks to God each day will deepen our connection to our Lord.