Let us come before Him with Thanksgiving
Enter His gates with Thanksgiving.
The Bible speaks very strongly to the Christian about the importance of a grateful spirit. In fact, it very carefully links the spirit of gratitude with victory in the Christian life. I don’t know if you have ever connected these two thoughts, but in 2 Corinthians 2:14 we read these words: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.”
Did you see it? Gratitude and triumph in the same verse. There is something about the attitude of gratitude that seems at home in the scenario of triumph.
That same concept blazes across the biblical sky again in 1 Corinthians 15:57. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” There it is again! Victory and triumph in the same context with gratitude. You show me somebody who is experiencing spiritual victory, who just exudes a sense of triumph, and I can promise you, as you get to know that individual, you will find a man or woman who is permeated with a spirit of gratitude.
Gratitude, you see, is one of the evidences that God is in us and that He is working in our lives. Why do I say that? Because in the world in which we live today, there are so many reasons to be ungrateful. So many reasons to complain. Too many things we experience in the media that can cause us to be disheartened.
But if the Spirit of God is in us, He will triumph over that. He will give us victory over those negative, self-pitying thoughts, and genuine, heartfelt gratitude will spill through the cracks of our soul like sunlight through venetian blinds as we explain to people what God is doing in our life.
Don’t just save your gratitude for Thanksgiving or other holiday times. Let’s endeavor to be thankful everyday for the many blessings, challenges, and opportunities that help strengthen our faith and life with God’s grace and love for us.
Bless you always.
Personal Application
The apostle Paul experienced a heap of trouble and difficulties in his life. Despite all the challenges he faced let’s remember his admonishment about thanksgiving: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6)
A Thanksgiving Prayer to be read before your family mealtime:
Oh, give thanks to the LORD!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!
Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face evermore! (1 Chronicles 16:8–11)
Prayer: Lord help us to have a grateful heart.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.