Thanksgiving Means Giving Thanks
Psalm 140:13 - Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; The upright shall dwell in Your Presence.
Thanksgiving – Towdah (Hebrew), To give kind caring thoughts, to show your gratitude, to show favor; A formal public expression of thanks to God.
In America, Thanksgiving is an annual National holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of every November. At this time, many Believers concentrate on the Blessings God has allowed us to enjoy and also to show our gratitude to God for those Blessings. But is the holiday Thanksgiving now becoming just a place on the calendar between Black Friday and Cyber Monday in a downhill race to the Christmas Holidays shopping frenzy? What more can we do to honor Thanksgiving? How can we be more faithful to the concept of Thanksgiving? Let us reason this out together.
I. Thanksgiving In Prayers
Prayer (Deesis–Greek) is speaking reverently with God. It is the oratory chapeling with God. It is coming near to God in relationship. It is requesting of God for another, and always giving thanks to God for all things. Prayer is a vehicle by which we can always show our Thanksgiving unto God. Our prayers should come in parts; (1). Adoration (Daniel 4:34-35) of God for All of His Power and His Glory. (2). Confession of Sins (1 John 1:9) due to missing the mark of God’s Standards; we need His forgiveness. (3). Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6) in all things but especially prayer. (4). Other’s Intercession (James 5:14-15) because we should pray for the needs of others. (5). And Supplication (1 Timothy 2:1-3) or petitioning for ourselves. We should always be last because we esteem others before ourselves. (Philippians 2:3).
II. Thanksgiving In Worship
Worship (Shachah–Hebrew) is a service or rite showing reverence for God; A demonstration of intense love, praise, admiration and thanksgiving to God. Honoring and reverencing God with our whole selves. Worship is another way that we can demonstrate Thankfulness to God. God is a Spirit. We must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. (John 4:21-24). How we worship is important. It must be genuine, true, real and show our gratefulness. Our God is worthy! (Revelations 5:12). So, whether we stand, sit, raise our hands, bend, drop to our knees or shout as long as we do it in the Spirit and the Truth and with Thankfulness our God will get the Glory! (2 Corinthians 4:6).
III. Thanksgiving In Our Lifestyle (Walk)
Our Lifestyle or Walk (Peripateo–Greek) is our conduct in daily living. It is our daily life that is pleasing to God. Thanksgiving should be a important part of our daily walk with our God. We should honor, praise and thank God each day for all of the Blessings seen and unseen that He has favored us with. We should always remember to Thank God for our answered prayers; His protection from hurt, harm and danger; His power, His care and concern; His Long Suffering, and His Love, Grace and Mercy. We must never ever take any of these Blessings for granted. Our Thankfulness to God should never stop. (Ephesians 1:16) Amen.
Conclusion
Yes, Thanksgiving is more than a holiday in which we can express our gratefulness to God. We should focus on our Blessings and show our gratitude to God each day in our Prayers; our Worship; and our Life Styles. Thanksgiving to God should be demonstrated by Believers at all times. But not only to our God, but to our Family, Friends, Leaders, Neighbors, Coworkers and even to our Enemies and Foes. Being Thankful brings about godliness and caring and concern in our lives. We become more like our Lord and Savior Jesus the. Now that gives God the Glory! Praise The Lord!