Giving Thanks

Did you know that our English words “think” and “thank” come from the same root? I believe that brings forth an important concept. Our thankfulness is based upon our “think” fullness. In other words, we can always give thanks if we just give it some thought. That’s what David seems to be doing in the 103rd Psalm. He begins by saying “Bless the LORD” (v.1). That phrase in the Hebrew means to express gratitude. He then states, “And forget not all His benefits” (v.2). David then goes on to list a few “benefits” of knowing the Lord, like forgiveness and healing (v.3), protection and blessings in life (v.4), food and revival of spirit (v.5) – on and on he goes. As David thought upon the benefits that God gives, his response was to thank Him. We should be no different. No matter what circumstances the world puts in our life, we can always thank God – if we’ll just take some time to think on Him! Think on what He has done and has promised to do. So give it a try – think and you will thank! Count your blessings instead of your crosses. Count your gains instead of your losses. Count your joys instead of your woes. Count your friends instead of your foes. Count your smiles instead of your tears. Count your courage instead of your fears. Count your full years instead of your lean. Count your kind deeds instead of your mean. Count your health instead of your wealth. Count on God instead of yourself. A thankful heart doubles our blessings, causing us to enjoy them twice – when we receive them and when we remember them.


[Ephesians 5:20] We have so much for which to be thankful! Every single day our Almighty God blesses us with numerous good things. Because have been blessed, we have a responsibility to our Lord to show Him gratitude. In fact, Jesus actually expects us to say “thanks” when He blesses (Luke 17:17). With this in mind, let us consider the fact that there is a proper way to say “thanks.” Thankfulness involves… “Thoughtfulness” - We need to give some real time and consideration to the various ways in which we’ve been blessed. We must not take things for granted! Such is like the swine that eats the apples that have fallen to the ground without ever looking up to the tree from which they fell. Think about how richly you’ve been blessed. Be thoughtful and thankful. (James 1:17; Psalm 100). “Happiness” - We can be happy with what we have—what we do-all because we know, love, trust and obey the Almighty God! Happy is that people whose God is the Lord (Psalm 144:15). “Appreciation” - When you tell someone, “I appreciate you,” you are telling them, “I highly value you.” What value do you give your life? Your family? Your church family? (Colossians 2:6-7; 3:15). “Notification” - If you are thankful…tell someone! Make it known! Don’t keep it to yourself. Make it clear to the person that blessed your life that you know that said blessing came from them. Paul made a habit of telling people he was thankful for them and for what they had done on his behalf (Philippians 1:3; 4:10; Philemon 4; Romans 16:3-4). “Kindness” - Simple kindness shown to others is a demonstration that you are thankful for the things/people that have found their way into your life. Remember the example of David in 2 Samuel 9:1. “Sacrifice” - The Macedonians were so thankful for their spiritual blessings they were willing to sacrifice physically and financially (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Our God asks that we live each day as though we are thankful for His mercy. (Romans 12:1-2). “Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). God wants us to be a thankful people and we really ought to make every day a day of thanksgiving. “...in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).