Why Give Thanks to God?

Thanksgiving. A day of giving thanks to God. But is that what we really do? When we think of Thanksgiving Day, do we immediately think of thanking God, or do we think holiday, family time, turkey, pilgrims, Indians, football, decorating for Christmas?



So why should we give thanks to God? Let's look at a few verses that mention thanking God.



The Unshakable Kingdom of God

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." ~Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)



Though I've gotten rid of the rugs and carpets in my house in favor of laminate flooring, I remember the days of taking rugs outside to shake the dust out of them. As a Texas gal, I've also been known to shake a few pecan tree branches so the nuts will fall to the ground for gathering. The day is coming when God will shake the heavens and the earth as if cleaning house or shaking a tree. Only what cannot be shaken will remain (Hebrews 12:27).



Those who belong to God are receiving "a kingdom that cannot be shaken." Thank Him!



God Is Good, His Love and Faithfulness Endure Forever

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.  ~Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)



I've always wondered why the chemical solution we women use to curl our hair is called a "permanent." If it were truly permanent, there wouldn't be a need to get another one in a few months. In a world where everything else is subject to decay, our good God's love endures forever. In addition, His faithfulness continues through all generations, and He is good. Thank Him!



Victory Over Sin and Death

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)



Sin is death, and since the fall of mankind it's a part of our genetic make-up. There's nothing we can do to rid ourselves of this deadliest of all diseases. But thanks be to God! Jesus died on the cross to deliver us from the penalty and power of sin. For those who belong to God through our Lord Jesus Christ, death is only a doorway to something far greater than we can imagine, because Jesus conquered sin and death for us. Thank Him!



Christ Leads Us in Triumph and Uses Us To Spread The Knowledge of Him

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. ~2 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)



The picture painted here is of a first-century victory parade, where wreaths of flowers wafted their fragrance with each step the victors' took. What a privilege to follow Christ as He leads this victory parade and waft the fragrance of Christ into the world. Thank Him!



The Indescribable Gift

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! ~2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV) 



Grace. God's Riches At Christ's Expense. The favor of Almighty God doled out lavishly to sinful humanity. Thank Him!



Dear heavenly Father, 



There isn't enough room in cyberspace to list all the reasons we should thank You. Forgive us for seeking Your hand so readily, while being so neglectful to offer You our gratitude. As we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, help us to lift our voices in thanksgiving to You. Teach us that thanksgiving isn't a day, but a way of life. Help us develop an attitude of gratitude, not only one day out of the year, but every day. For the reasons listed here--Your unshakable kingdom of which we are a part, Your enduring goodness, love and faithfulness to us, Your victory over sin and death for all who belong to You, the privilege of being the fragrance of Christ in this world, Your indescribable gift of grace--and so much more, we thank You!



In the name of Jesus,

Amen 



Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)