East-West Blog

Give Thanks

Written by John Maisel | Nov 19, 2021 11:00:00 AM

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” -Psalm 136:1

More than 100 times, the Scriptures tell God’s people to give thanks, be thankful, and say thanks. I believe the reason we’re commanded to give thanks in everything is so that we continually acknowledge our belief in four things:

  1. God is sovereign and in total control of all things.
  2. Whatever God allows to touch our lives has a purpose that results in our good.
  3. His sovereign power over all circumstances is motivated by His perfect love for us.
  4. His perfect love can only seek our highest good.

With these truths in place, praise, thanksgiving, and worship should be the central attitude for the Christian every day. Our Lord does not owe us our next breath, so even the breath in our lungs at this moment is a gracious gift from God.

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” -Psalm 146:1-2

No matter what your circumstances are—good, bad, or ugly—I want to encourage you to spend the first few minutes of your day thanking God for who He is and the mercy, goodness, grace, love, and faithfulness that He’s covered you with. Thankfulness and praise are the right responses to the enduring love of our Father.

“Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. ... Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.” -Psalm 103:1, 21-22

We have such a great, omnipotent, powerful, loving Father and Savior! I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving full of praise!

 

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