The Gift Of Thankfulness

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18)

1. True thanksgiving is only found in the midst of true adversity.

“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 5:19-20)

2. The giving of thanks is an intentional outlook that recognizes God for His safekeeping and His sovereignty.

“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance. I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons.  I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” (Ps. 16:6-8)

3. Thankfulness is part of the inside, not just part of the outside.

“He got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” (Dan. 6:10)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)

4. Thanksgiving is part of the most intimate relationship between God and man.

“Now on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As He was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met Him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ When He saw them, He said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17:11-14)

• Obedience precedes healing

“Rise and go, your faith has made you well.”

(Luke 17:19)

5. True thanksgiving makes us whole.

“Although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.”

(Rom. 1:21-22)

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil. 4:12)