Those who are never thankful stand on a slippery slope, particularly those who refuse to see what God has revealed about Himself in the things that He has made. “ . . . For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images . . . .” (Romans 1:18–23)
This makes me consider my own unthankful days of wanting more, never being satisfied, not trusting that God was taking care of me or giving me all that I needed. There is no joy in that.
Joy and thanksgiving are linked. When God strengthens His people, He gives us power and endurance and “patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Colossians 1:11–12) Redemption is a package, a gift that includes joy and a thankful heart. Whenever I grumble, complain, and am not thankful, I am living outside His gift!
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:4–6)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
Joyful thanksgiving is from God, produced by the Holy Spirit. The only reason it can go missing from my experience is that I’ve blocked its flow with a sinful attitude or action. That can be as simple as thinking I need more than what God gives, as if I know better than God, the One who created me. This is pride whereas thankfulness is humble recognition that He is the sovereign God and the giver of all good gifts.
Years ago, a woman who organized an event did a terrific job. I thanked her for her work, and she said: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
This humbled me and made me realize that whatever any Christian or anyone else does well, it is because God has used them as instruments of His grace. Her response affected my attitude and worship. All credit belongs to God. When I thank others for the good things they do, I know where that good came from.
Giving thanks is a vital part of worship. Even more, it is a vital part of everything:
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)
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:15–16)
Jesus, thank You for Your goodness and that Your steadfast love endures forever. You do great wonders. You made the heavens, the wonders of the universe. You delivered Your people from bondage in Egypt, divided the Red Sea so they could pass through safely, and led them through the wilderness. You defeated their enemies before them and gave them their land. You also remember us in our weakness and came here to die on the cross and rise from the dead, rescuing us from sin and from our spiritual enemies. You take care of our physical needs and meet all our spiritual needs. Your love endures our many failures and keeps on working to transform us into Your own dear image. We are blessed beyond our wildest imaginations and are thankful more than words can say. Thank You —Your love endures forever.
MORE: Today, count my blessings. Let all events and thoughts of the day be filled with thanksgiving for the Lord’s amazing goodness. As opportunities arise, say thanks out loud — because I know the source of all good things.