II Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Mankind is basically ungrateful. Romans 1:21 says 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. This backs up how unthankful people have become. We have to be taught to be thankful. Throw a duck in water and he swims. Why? It’s in his nature. On the other hand, throw a cat in the water and he’ll probably drown. Most of us had to have swimming lessons to swim, driving lessons to drive. But we weren’t taught how to lie. That came naturally. Being selfish comes naturally. Children are taught to say “thank you.” In Luke 2 we have the story of the 10 lepers that were healed by Jesus. After it happened only one came back to thank him. That percentage is not far off from how it is today. Psalms 69:30-31 says I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. What does this mean? God wants our sincere praise from the heart, not some act we do out of duty. Don’t be one that has to be prodded to say thank you. David praised God regardless of his circumstances.
How can we have a thankful heart? We must first recognize where things come from–who they come from. We don’t thank someone unless we know who to thank. When we realized where, we became thankful. According to James 1:17 we can trace everything we have back to God. It says Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. There is no such thing as a self-made person. All we are and all we have comes from God. He gave you the health to work so that you could have the things you enjoy. The foundation of gratitude expects nothing. We must see there is never a small gift so never lose appreciation for anything. Always be thankful.
For what should we be thankful? First Thessalonians 5:18 says In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Ephesians 5:20 says Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. By these we’re told to be thankful always, for all things. Even in the storms, be thankful. Couple it with Romans 8:28 and we see that all things work together for good.
How can I abound in thanksgiving? Originally the word was THINK-FUL-NESS. The more you think and focus on what God has done, the more thankful we are. Don’t think about hurt feelings or your enemies. Think of what God has blessed you with. Think about your spouse, your children. Your health may not be perfect but you got out of bed this morning and came to church. We have an abundance of friends. We have a church house and the freedom to come here and worship. Think of what all the Lord has given you. When you think about all you need, you realize God has already given it to you.
Be thankful and bless HIS name, always.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 