In Everything Give Thanks

 In Everything Give Thanks

By Erin Fuller 

“In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Ah, November. The time of reflection, thankfulness, and turkey. Once a year, Americans gather together with loved ones to reflect on their lives and count their blessings. The concept of gratitude is common to Christians. Themes of thankfulness are found throughout the Bible. 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Scripture is clear on how we, as Christians, should lead a lifestyle that is filled with gratitude and contentment. However, when we are faced with the continuous trials, disappointments, and other stressors, it’s easy to neglect this and feel rather . . . .ungrateful. While we would all agree that Christ’s ultimate sacrifice alone is worth being grateful for, it’s often hard to live out. 

In order to be thankful at all times it is important to have a foundation of joy, and to know the source of our joy. 

Additionally, God’s nature does not change based upon outward circumstances. Therefore, we can continually give thanks because thanksgiving is a response to the goodness and grace of God.

Thankfulness is a wonderful way to measure your spiritual health. While you shouldn’t constantly be checking your spiritual pulse, it’s beneficial to do so from time to time. It’s an indicator of how much you know God and how much you are trusting in Him. As we grow in the knowledge of God, we can give thanks in every circumstance. Whether we have plenty or little, we can have a heart that is full of thanksgiving to God for all the things he has done for us.

When we give thanks, it aligns our hearts with God’s goodness, opens us to receive more from Him, and alleviates anxiety. It carries us through the struggles and hardships of life. Counting your blessings is meant to bring encouragement and strength no matter what we’re going through. 

What is the meaning of thanksgiving in the Bible? Thanksgiving in God’s Word means to “respond to God’s goodness and grace with gratitude.” The word for giving thanks in the Old Testament refers to lifting hands to praise God with gratitude! Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 

In the New Testament, grace is the root idea for thanks. Thanksgiving gives us a beautiful picture of our response to Christ. Since he gave, our lives have meaning and purpose. Giving thanks is merely a response to the nature of God. 

We give thanks, because He is always good!

We can say with David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)