Key Verse – “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
As we know, the lack of a thankful heart was the leading cause of Adam and Eve’s fall. So when we are recreated to be God’s children again, thankfulness to the Lord is essential. From thankfulness flows true respect and honor for the Lord. In understanding the depths of the heart that give thanks to the Lord, I will divide this subject into six characteristics.
First, Thanksgiving is to the God who is the owner and author of our lives and the world. Though many in our society give thanks, it is mostly to each other, rather than to God. This is the culture left over from the Post Christian Era. As a result, Thanksgiving is taken as a part of politically-and-culturally-correct ethics. When God is not honored as the supreme authority, thanksgiving may end in hopeful sentiment. Also, there won't be any meaningful 'thankfulness' for those who do not believe in the God of creation. So thanksgiving is for God, first and foremost.
Secondly, thanksgiving is the result of believing and accepting that what God has done is good and just. Whatever situation I am in right now, it has always been under God the Father’s control, and I believe His goodness and love for me has led me this far. Though I have had to pass through many trials, temptations, and hardships, God has been good and just in dealing with me. This is my sentiment and belief now. This is true to me. I visited Korea and served my brothers and sisters, especially my older brother. He passed away a few months after this meeting. I cannot give thanks enough in this matter, because he came to faith through this meeting. Also, through the death of my mother-in-law, God opened a way for me to meet many members of Rebekah's family, most of whom do not believe in Jesus at all. Once, I wished and prayed that God might resolve my financial situation so that I may make a new beginning in my service to the Lord; however, God did this just enough for me to get by without difficulty, but not enough to make a new venture. God is still purifying my thoughts and commitment to His cause. I give thanks to the Lord in this regard. I am more humble in regards to my financial plans and hopes. God gave me a job that fits my purpose to serve Him. This has been very helpful in setting my daily schedule for His work. I thank God for all that He has done in my life. He is my Lord and King, and He is the Lord of all. His provision for my life is just and good.
Thirdly, I am happy and satisfied in Him. I have my rest in Him, no matter what situation I am in. This is to honor Him as the Lord who loves me and has a plan for my life. This is my belief that what I am going through is for the best and will be for my good in Him. Though I do not know why God has set me in the situations I face, it is God's will and good purpose for my life. Human lives are plagued by all kinds of problems and calamities. As for me, relatively or humanly speaking, I am in a better position than many people. There are many who are under great pain and sorrow. For some, their life is in danger and others have to worry about whether they will receive three meals a day. No matter what predicament we are in, in God, all things are of His blessing and will surely lead us to victory in life. When Job was in misery, no one could imagine that God would restore his fortune, as well as his family. Present sufferings must be read through God's perspective and the realization that life’s summation is not here and now; they must never disprove of God’s blessings. The answer to what is true success in life is found in eternity with God the Father.
Fourth, in thankfulness, we believe God’s provision for the future and are willing to entrust our lives to Him. What He will provide is the best for me and I am happy about it now. In Christ, God proved His love for me and has secured a life for me with Him in eternity. Given these three examples of what has been done by God for my present situations and future hopes, thanksgiving must be deeply rooted in 'God's grace' in saving us by Christ’s redeeming work. This means that we honor God as He who has the ultimate authority to judge the living and the dead, according to His righteousness and holiness. Before this, while we were sinners, Christ, His Son gave his life in our place. Though many other benefits are given to us, 'the redeeming' work in my life is a cause of thanksgiving. This leads to rejoicing in my relationship with Him, now, as His child.
Fifthly, in thankfulness to the Lord, we truly honor God as God, as the God of heaven and earth. He is the only almighty God. I fully submit my life into His hands and entrust my being to His goodness. Out of my thankfulness, I obey Him and follow His ways.
Sixthly, Thanksgiving is more than just a state of mind; it is also an action of deep gratitude, willingness to obey, serve, give, and sacrifice. There are a few words in the Bible that express gratitude toward God. The first one is the word 'praise'. The next is ‘giving thanks’, which was first recorded in Leviticus 7:12-15. This is somewhat less than 'praise' in expressing emotions of gratitude; however, it is unique in that it expresses this concept in connection with giving tangible things to the Lord. So it is Thanksgiving. If we 'celebrate' Thanksgiving without truly giving, we may not be much different from the ungodly. Actual giving is surely proof of our thanks to the Lord.
May God bless you richly while you give thanks to Him, the Lord, Almighty!
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