“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” That’s Psalm 106:1.
…and also 1 Chronicles 16:34. As well as Psalm 107:1. Oh yes—Psalm 118:1 says the exact same thing!
There are a few other examples in the Bible of this same call, word-for-word, for us to give thanks. The idea is this: giving thanks is our response to how good God is.
For many of us, this is easier said than done. It doesn’t take much for us to get caught up in the busy routines of everyday life and lose sight of all there is to be grateful for. Even Thanksgiving can become more about planning our schedule around loved ones and prepping delicious food than it is a time of thanksgiving—we miss the meaning of what’s in the name. How can we reclaim this opportunity to give thanks?
Gratitude starts with simply being aware of what we’ve been blessed with. Let’s look at a few ways that God’s goodness marks our lives and allow them to prompt you to give thanks.
Give thanks for how God provides
In Malawi, Alice is grateful for the delicious and nutritious meals she has learned to cook for her daughter Patricia and the rest of her family.
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” – Psalm 34:10
It’s frustratingly easy to be so focused on what we don’t have that we miss how God has already provided and continues to provide. From physical blessings like a warm home and hearty meals, to opportunities such as an enriching education or an exciting next step in your career—all of it demonstrates that God does not hold back anything that is good for us. How has God provided for you and what good things might you have overlooked?
Give thanks for church community
In Bolivia, Pastor Raul and Sister Graciela serve their community out of their church building, which also acts as a Compassion centre.
“Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.” – Psalm 107: 31-32
The Church is the community that Jesus established for His followers to be encouraged by, to grow alongside and to impact the world with. As we take part in the Church, we recognize God’s faithfulness towards other believers and thank Him together. This equips us to go in the name of Jesus and spark life transformation in our communities and beyond. How has God used your church community to build your faith and impact others?
Give thanks for how God brings peace
In Thailand, seventeen-year-old Chaiwait (left) dreams of being a professional boxer and makes a point to pray with Doungdate, his father (right), before every boxing match.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
There is one thing that the world can agree on and that is the need for peace. Unfortunately, few seem to figure out how to get it. As believers, knowing that peace of mind and heart can be found by giving our concerns to God is a wonderful reminder and something to be thankful for. How have you seen God work unexpectedly in your life to bring peace?
Give thanks for your gifts and service
Annie, Sandra and Carlos (left to right), staff at a Compassion centre in Colombia, have learned how to make mops to generate income for the centre.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Don’t take for granted the work that you do or the skills that you use to serve others. Whether you consider yourself skilled or not, God has placed you wherever you are so that you might do whatever it is you do for Him, in the name of Jesus. Let’s recognize and be thankful for the unique gifts that God has given us. How do you see your work and service fit into the church, your community and your workplace?
Give thanks for the good news of Jesus
In Honduras, 12-year-old Nicol leads a junior prayer group at her church and shares the gospel with young people in her community.
“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Our thankfulness for God’s provision, our church community, peace and giftings is rooted in our faith in the good news of Jesus. The truth of Christ’s love is empowering and leads us to serve our neighbours, knowing that what we do in Jesus’ name will lead to the same hope and transformation for others that we have experienced ourselves.
