THE ‘WHYS’ OF THANKSGIVING (1)

“Oh, GIVE THANKS to the LORD, for HE IS GOOD! For His mercy endures forever” – Psalm 118:1

Celebration of God’s Goodness and Mercy is chief among THE WHYS of THANKSGIVING: “Oh, GIVE THANKS to the LORD, for HE IS GOOD! For His mercy endures forever” (Psa.118:1). The Message translation simply states: “Thank God because he’s good, because his love never quits.” God’s Love never quits. He is always good and always loving; hence, ever-worthy of Thanksgiving! Psalm 118 sits between the shortest and longest chapters in the Bible, assuming a central location between the book’s beginning and ending. This could not be accidental. This psalm contains not only a central position but an ever-relevant theme.

We are encouraged to cultivate hearts of thanksgiving toward God. Such an Attitude of Gratitude takes intentional and concentrated effort, and clear understanding of the WHYS! Thanksgiving, Praise, and Worship are three interrelated, but distinct ways to approach God; and each connects us to a different aspect of His Character. By thanksgiving we acknowledge God’s Goodness. By praise we acknowledge God’s Greatness. By worship we acknowledge God’s Holiness. Thanksgiving relates us to God’s Goodness; Praise, to His Greatness; and Worship, the highest activity of the human spirit, to the Holiness of God.

God gave each of us a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ‘Thank You’? Let’s think about how often God helps us in a day, and how much He has given us. How often do we say thanks to him? Thanksgiving is a celebration of the Giver and the gifts. Here are Seven Reasons, Purposes, or ‘Whys’ of Thanksgiving:

For His Goodness: “Oh, GIVE THANKS to the LORD, for HE IS GOOD! For His mercy endures forever” (1 Chr.16:34). Psalms 107:1, 118:1, and 136:1 state likewise. Psalm 106:6 adds the Praise dimension: “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” We give thanks to the lord because He is good, kind, and loving – forever!

For Victory that He gives us in Christ: “But THANKS be to GOD, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor.15:57).

For the Gift of God’s Son and accompanying Grace: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor.9:15).

For Answered Prayer: “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Col.4:2).

For What God has Done: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people!” (1Chr.16:8).

To Let Others Know How Wonderful God is: “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation” (Psa.111:1).

Thanksgiving Keeps Our Mind on Christ: “Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Col.2:7).

In the place of Thanksgiving, we can audaciously affirm: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord!” (v.17).