As we are still in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic and also enduring so many other distressing occurrences each and every day, it is easy for us to find ourselves concentrating more on what’s wrong with our lives instead of gratefully recognizing what’s right with our lives. Now these pessimistic inclinations may exist as a result of our carnal condition's intentionally distorted point of view, but I, as your Brother in Christ, am compelled to proclaim and encourage you in the truth, which is: “We have much more to appreciate and be grateful for than we have to complain and be depressed about.” Even in the face of seemingly devastating circumstances.
To illustrate this point, please consider this incredible event that took place several centuries ago with the prophet Elisha who, after being surrounded by the king of Syria’s army, had an extraordinary conversation with his terrified servant, Gehazi. The servant said to Elisha, “… Alas, my master! what shall we do?" Elisha responded, "... Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Then Elisha did something remarkable. "... Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see." And then, as a result of Elisha's prayer of faith, the Lord did something even more remarkable. "And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kings 6: 15-17)
It truly is a natural human tendency to be apprehensive and fixated on what is directly before us and happening to us right now. But as in Elisha and Gehazi's case, faith enables us to see things as they really are and to realize that all things are not as they may appear. By trusting in God we can see past our current uncomfortable position and rejoice in the victory that has already been won for us. Although the devil is walking about seeking whom he may devour, don’t let your enemy bluff you into thinking he has you cornered. When Satan tells you he's got you surrounded and it's time to give up, then stand firm, rebuke that demon in Jesus' name and say, "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59: 19) As many beatings as the devil has taken since the dawn of time, he still hasn't learned that our enemies are God's enemies, and vice versa. Therefore we shout, "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered: let them also that hate Him flee before Him." (Psalm 68: 1) May the Lord open our eyes to see that, as in Elisha and Gehazi’s case, it’s not us that's surrounded but it’s our enemy that’s surrounded! May we be ever thankful that whatever we are confronted with, we can be supremely confident that our God is greater than any circumstance, situation, power or principality and has everything completely under control. All you have to do is just believe with your whole heart that, no matter what, He will see you through. Remember the flaming chariots circling the scene on your behalf! Never forget that, "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." (Psalm 34: 7) Once again, this certainly is something to be thankful about.
And so, during this holiday season that we are celebrating Thanksgiving, a traditional time of family, friends, food and faith, it is also an opportunity for reflection, appreciation and gratitude for the previous year’s prosperity, provision and protection. But even beyond these blessings there is a revealed and undisputed truth that is magnificent in its concept and simply glorious at the core of its essence. And that is, even if God never did anything for us, He's so awesome that He is still worthy of our worship and praise! Did you get that? Let me say it again and this time make it a little more personal. Even if God never did anything for YOU, He's so awesome that He is still worthy of YOUR worship and praise! But, thank you Jesus, He has already done and continues to do "...exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think..." (Ephesians 3:20) Yes Lord, thanks to You alone, our cup runneth over. How blessed we are that time would not permit, books could not contain and the imagination could not comprehend how much God has done for us, let alone what He is going to do for us. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (1 Corinthians 2: 9) To that end, on this holiday occasion, I would like us to focus specifically on the “Who” we are thankful to instead of the “what” we are thankful for. Not that we can’t do both, which we absolutely should, but I believe we can all agree and should recognize that the Provider is more important than the provision and the Creator more important than the creation. As God told Abram (Abraham), "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." (Genesis 15: 1)
In his epistle to the Philippians the Apostle Paul wrote, “…for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4: 11) Brother Paul "learned” not just to be content, but to be thankful, because two verses later he recorded this statement: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4: 13) We can therefore conclude that when it's all said and done, it really is all about God and His glory. As the 24 elders in the Book of Revelation said after falling down in worship and casting their golden crowns before the throne of God, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4: 11)
Therefore I have selected scriptures from the Old and New Testaments that are focused squarely on the giving of thanks to God, not only for all He has done, but more importantly, just for Who He is. And Who is He? He is the the Good Shepherd, the Living Water, the Bread of Life, the True Vine, the Mercy Giver, the Great Redeemer and the King of Glory. He is the marvelous, miraculous, sensational, spectacular and astounding "I AM." And there is no other.
And so, as you read these beautiful passages of praise and glory, I urge you to take the time to put everything to the side, quiet yourself and bask in the comforting joy and reassuring peace of God’s holy presence as He refreshes and encourages your spirit through His Word.
Old Testament
Therefore will I give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto Thy name. (Psalm 18: 49)
That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous works.
(Psalm 26: 7)
Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness ….. To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever ….. I will give Thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise Thee among much people. (Psalm 30: 4, 12 & 18)
Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay Thy vows unto the most High: (Psalm 50: 14)
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
(Psalm 69: 3)
Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto Thee do we give thanks: for that Thy name is near Thy wondrous works declare. (Psalm 75: 1)
So we Thy people and sheep of Thy pasture will give Thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth Thy praise to all generations. (Psalm 79: 13)
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High. (Psalm 92: 1)
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. (Psalm 95: 2)
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. (Psalm 97: 12)
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. (Psalm 100: 4)
O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people. (Psalm 105: 1)
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever ….. Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto Thy holy name, and to triumph in Thy praise. (Psalm 106: 1 & 47)
O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever ….. And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.
(Psalm 107: 1 & 22)
I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (Psalm 116: 17)
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous judgments.
(Psalm 119: 62)
O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever ….. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for His mercy endureth forever ….. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for His mercy endureth forever ….. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endureth forever. (Psalm 136: 1-3 & 26)
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name: the upright shall dwell in Thy presence. (Psalm 140: 13)
Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.
(Psalm 147: 7)
New Testament
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Cor 15: 57)
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. (2 Cor 2: 14)
Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. (2 Cor 9: 15)
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. (Col 1: 12)
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. (Col 3: 17)
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thess 5: 18)
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. (Heb 13: 15)
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (Rev 7: 12)
What more can we say other than “Thank you, Lord.”
To God be all the glory and Happy THANKS Giving!
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