In Everything Thank God
Many families have a Thanksgiving tradition where everybody around the table shares one thing they’re thankful for. That encourages gratefulness in the midst of the rush and bustle of celebration. After all, God told us, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:18). It’s good to give thanks, but it’s especially appropriate to do so on the day set apart for that purpose.
On such occasions, frequent responses are gratefulness for family, for an abundance of food–such as turkey and pie, for warm clothing and a roof over head, and such. (Painting by Norman Rockwell)
However, if you look at giving thanks in the Bible—and it’s mentioned often—you’ll notice something. When thanks is spoken, nearly every time–if not always–it speaks of thanking God.
The Psalms are particularly full of thanksgiving. They repeatedly offer thanks because God is good and His steadfast love endures forever. They praise the Lord for a particular attribute or action”. They praise Him because He:
- is God of gods and Lord of lords (Ps 136:2-3),
- made the heavens and spread out the earth above the waters, (Ps 136:5-6),
- made the sun, moon, and stars (Ps 136:7-9),
- delivered my soul from hell (Ps. 86:12-13),
- answers when we call (Ps. 138:3),
- makes me bold with strength in my soul (Ps. 138:3),
- satisfies the thirsty soul (Ps. 107:8-9),
- fearfully and wonderfully created me (Ps. 139:14),
- will deal bountifully with me (Ps. 119:7), and more.
In the New Testament, Paul often began his letters speaking words of thanks for those he was writing to, but even then, he gave thanks to God.
For example, when writing the Thessalonians, he said, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater, therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure” (2 Th. 1:3-4).
While thanking God, Paul voiced his appreciation for something particular about those he addressed. I’m sure they were encouraged by his words to continue standing strong in their faith and their love for one another.
However, it is significant that he said, “We ought always to give thanks to God,” rather than, “We ought to always thank those who helped us.” When we express gratefulness to others, it affirms and encourages them, as well as building healthy relationships. But, it ignores the true source of the thing that we appreciate.
By directing his thanks to God, Paul recognized that God is the source of their faith and love He was aware that “every good thing bestowed and ever perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (Jam. 1:17). Without the grace of God, they would not have faith and love.
We tend to slide into auto pilot and run our own lives, forgetting God as we focus on our world. In contrast, as we give thanks and praise to God, we acknowledge Him in all things and it helps us remain centered on and dependent on Him for everything.
He is with us always. In times of joy and plenty, sorrow and want, sunshine or trial, there is always something to be thankful for if we are looking to God. Furthermore, it is pleasing to God and it strengthen our relationship with Him when we thank and praise Him.
No wonder God told us to give thanks in everything. As we recognize Him as our source of blessings, we glorify Him.
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Ps. 136:1).