Giving Thanks
by Cynthia Jennings on November 25, 2020We often hear the words “thank you or thanks.” But have you ever taken the time to really dissect the heart of the meaning of these words?
Sometimes these words are said with a sincere and honest heart other times these words are said out of habit then there are times when these words are not said at all.
Scriptures tell us “in everything give thanks.” Is this phrase something we can honestly say we do daily with intentionality?
We have hectic schedules with daily lives that are sometimes exhausting, overwhelming and the ever-present need to problem solve every moment of the day. Oh, let’s not forget about the state of the world we are living in, with the coronavirus pandemic.
With all this going on often a forgetfulness of the “good” things in our lives get overlooked. We can become so focused on the hard, urgent and not so good stuff that we miss the opportunity to give/say thanks. We should become intentional in taking the time daily to stop and give thanks. I’m not just talking about giving thanks to those around us, but giving God thanks. When we do this, we will be able to put life into a perspective that will minimize the not so good stuff and pleasantly magnify the good things.
Saying thanks is good for us! As we profess our gratefulness in ALL circumstances (without complaining), we’re not only like Christ, but we’re also exercising power over darkness. The enemy longs to get and keep us frustrated and discouraged thus often giving in to our flesh. Saying thanks opens a door for God’s presence and blessings.
Giving thanks is a reminder for us to recall all the times we’ve trusted God and Him seeing us through all the difficult times. Thus, further making us aware of it’s not just every good and perfect thing that deems us blessed, but the fact that we are able to have an intimate relationship with God is what makes us blessed.
I’ve always tried to be intentional in saying thank you to anyone who does anything for me. It’s my way of acknowledging their thoughtfulness. But lately I have really been thinking about if I’m just as intentional in giving thanks to God for ALL that He has done for me, but more importantly for who He is.
T--thoughtfulness
H--helps
A--acknowledgement
N--nurture
K--kindness
S—sincerity
PEARLStoPONDER: Is your thanks sincere and glorifies God?
Psalm 7:17--I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2—I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 107:1— Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
1 Thessalonians 5:18--give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Sometimes these words are said with a sincere and honest heart other times these words are said out of habit then there are times when these words are not said at all.
Scriptures tell us “in everything give thanks.” Is this phrase something we can honestly say we do daily with intentionality?
We have hectic schedules with daily lives that are sometimes exhausting, overwhelming and the ever-present need to problem solve every moment of the day. Oh, let’s not forget about the state of the world we are living in, with the coronavirus pandemic.
With all this going on often a forgetfulness of the “good” things in our lives get overlooked. We can become so focused on the hard, urgent and not so good stuff that we miss the opportunity to give/say thanks. We should become intentional in taking the time daily to stop and give thanks. I’m not just talking about giving thanks to those around us, but giving God thanks. When we do this, we will be able to put life into a perspective that will minimize the not so good stuff and pleasantly magnify the good things.
Saying thanks is good for us! As we profess our gratefulness in ALL circumstances (without complaining), we’re not only like Christ, but we’re also exercising power over darkness. The enemy longs to get and keep us frustrated and discouraged thus often giving in to our flesh. Saying thanks opens a door for God’s presence and blessings.
Giving thanks is a reminder for us to recall all the times we’ve trusted God and Him seeing us through all the difficult times. Thus, further making us aware of it’s not just every good and perfect thing that deems us blessed, but the fact that we are able to have an intimate relationship with God is what makes us blessed.
I’ve always tried to be intentional in saying thank you to anyone who does anything for me. It’s my way of acknowledging their thoughtfulness. But lately I have really been thinking about if I’m just as intentional in giving thanks to God for ALL that He has done for me, but more importantly for who He is.
T--thoughtfulness
H--helps
A--acknowledgement
N--nurture
K--kindness
S—sincerity
PEARLStoPONDER: Is your thanks sincere and glorifies God?
Psalm 7:17--I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2—I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 107:1— Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
1 Thessalonians 5:18--give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
