By:   Bro. Festus Etuwewe

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The word “thanksgiving” can be defined as the expression of gratitude, especially to Almighty God. One of the great commandments is to give thanks to God, for all he has done for us.

We have so much that sometimes we can’t see how much God has blessed us.  No doubt we live in an ungrateful and unthankful society; but as people who have been given the gift of eternal live in heaven, we should never give in to ingratitude.  Psalm 103 is a wonderful passage that reminds us to “give thanks” to the Lord because of who He is.

Psalm 100:4 we are to “enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his Courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name”. Christ, himself, was the perfect example of obeying this commandment.

In giving thanks to God for the many blessings bestowed on us  we should not be limited to only good times but also bad times thereby giving us the opportunity to demonstrate our faith in God.

In the world today there are nation who see Thanksgiving as a source of blessings despite the fact that they are not Christians. Country like United states of American have a special day declared as public holiday in the month of November used for solemnly Thanksgiving for the blessings they have. Canada and some part of the Caribbean’s also. As children God we expected to do more in this regards because Thanksgiving will draw our hearts out to God and keep us engaged with him, it will take our attention from ourselves and make us to be more closer to God.

Why Is Thanksgiving Important

1. It the sure sign that a person has a true and serious relationship with God. It is the basic response of a soul that recognizes the existence of a personal and the Almighty God.it is also a basic unit of communication with God. It is the most expression of faith between man and God.
2. Thanksgiving is a way of confirming that we are not blind to the prosperity we enjoy, it is the collective expression of self-awareness concerning our blessed condition. When we recognises our blessings and give thanks it simply means we are well off, we see other people and we see clearly our advantage and appreciate it. Giving thanks is self-awareness. No one ever like an ingrate.
3. Thanksgiving is the highest expression of our hope and trust in God. Paul demonstrated this when he was beaten and imprisoned unjustly, when his work seems so difficult, did not despair, he rather chose to give thanks and offer prayers of praise from his jail cell. His release from jail by an earthquake is symbolic of our release from prison of fear and despair when we offer God thanksgiving of faith during times of trial and suffering. No wonder the book of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. This help us to concentrate on the Sovereignty of God and that He is in control and working all things together for good regardless of how they may seem to us on our limited perspective. Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. While all things may not be good in our perspective, God use them for good .the good for making us like his son Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
4. It is a signal that our faith is strong. Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. If we fail to be thankful to God  we are showing a sign of disbelief Some may asked what about those who do not know God, why do they prosper, Matthew 5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Note also that there will be a day of judgement Romans 2:16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. All we have are from God. Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

To preserve our blessings we need to acknowledge and thank the One (God) who provide them in the first, this is the best way of protection for our blessings and the best guarantee for continued prosperity.

What Are The Benefits Of Thanksgiving 

Training our heart to be thankful has so many good benefits, but let consider few

(1) Giving thanks to God unlocks many doors

(2) Whenever thanksgiving goes up, showers of blessings automatically comes down-Psalms 100:5  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

(3) It strengthens faith-strengthens our dependence on God for every provision and upholds the biblical truths on the faithfulness of God.

(4) It keeps our lives clear of darkness, anxiety, sin and deception. Rom. 1:21,

Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

(5) It draws us closer to God.

(6) it keeps us from bitterness, arrogance and discouragement Ephesians 4:26-27  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

(7) It protects us from letting our lives be defined by what we do not have.

(8) It keeps us humble and remind us of our need for God. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

(9). It gives credit where credit is due. 

How Should It Be Done    

Firstly. . We Should Invite Brethren, Relations, Friends and Neighbours

Psalms 66:16-17 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. . . 

Secondly, We Are To Bring To God All Our Pledges

We are to bring to God’s house our offerings or pay our vows which our lips uttered and our mouths spoke of when we were in wilderness of troubles When we are face with challenges most of us do make some kind of pledges to seek God’s intervention when that problems is solved the psalmist is saying that pledges we made bring along to Psalms will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

Thirdly, We Should Attract People Around Us

God wants us to attract people around with our voices of praise.

Psalms 66:8-9 – O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.

 We are to attract people through singing and making the melody of our heart with the fruit of our lips. Hebrews 13:15  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.

Conclusion

Regardless of our health, financial status, families’ situation, whether good or bad, all of us can be equally thankful because we share the same hope of salvation and eternal life. This alone call for us to sing and praise God. Brethren will you thank God for saving your soul or for the materials blessings.

May God help us so that we should be thankful for saving our soul and for the materials blessings he has bestowed upon in Jesus name.

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