THE ‘WHYS’ OF THANKSGIVING (2)

“THANKS be to GOD for HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

Christ Jesus is the Fulcrum of THE WHYS of THANKSGIVING: “THANKS be to GOD for HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT” (2 Cor.9:15). This passage contains two main themes. First, is God’s provision for His people: as we give to the needs of others, God will supply our needs abundantly to enable us to give to even others (vv.6-10). Second, is God’s Glory in His people: As we give to the needs of others, they will give thanks to God and pray affectionately for us because of God’s grace extended to them through us (vv.11-15). In essence, living to bring glory and honour to God, “causes thanksgiving through us to God” (vv.11-12). We reap spiritually from God what we sow spiritually.

How often do we come to God with a list of all the things we want Him to do for us? He’s a loving Father, and He wants us to come to Him, asking for what we desire. But He also enjoys when we express our gratitude to Him. How often do we intentionally step into His Presence for the sole purpose of lavishing Him with thanksgiving for Who He is and who He created us to be? The reasons to thank God are endless, but sometimes it’s difficult to articulate them because the challenges in life seem so big that we can’t see past them to the amazing things God has done for us. No matter what we’re facing, let’s learn to express gratitude to God.

Amid thanksgiving, God’s Joy spreads and He lifts us above challenges, to focus on Him. Here are additional reasons to be thankful to God.

God gave us His greatest Gift, Salvation through relationship with His Son: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jh.3:16). Jesus Christ is God’s Indescribable GIFT that inspires all gifts. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom.8:32).

God Hears and Answers Our Prayers: “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I THANK YOU that You have heard Me (Jh.11:41). Now, the name of Jesus is our Authority: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (Jh.16: 23-24).

Thanksgiving is God’s Will: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 The.5:18).

Thanksgiving is God’s Command; “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phi.4:6).