Well, as Phillipians 4:6 says, we need to be anxious for nothing. Does not God, the Creator of heaven and earth, know our every need—and even our desires??? "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith?" Matthew 6:28-30. Also, we need to be PRAYERFUL. "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." It is God’s will that we be thankful! Romans 1:21 reads, "For even though they knew God (see, they even knew God, yet still they let their hearts be hardened), they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." 1 Thessalonians says, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
And why be thankful anyways? James 4:6 reads, "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Praising God is just as much for our benefit as any. It is not that our mighty King likes to sit up on the throne receiving praises and thanksgiving so He can get a big, swollen head—like he needs us lowly sinners to do that—no, it is an uplift to our hearts!
When we have the attitude of praise, as Paul did (contentment in any situation), then it is for our own benefit—not God’s, not our neighbors (although they could benefit from it too)—it is for our benefit! The others are just bonuses! In 2 Chronicles 31:2, there were priests assigned to do nothing else but to offer up praise and thanks to the Lord! WOW!
So what do we have to be thankful about? Have you ever been to a praise and worship service where when the question is asked, there is silence??? WHAT?!?!? Have we nothing to be thankful for on some days? May it never be! We all have two things in common to be thankful for, and no one—NO ONE—can take these two things away from 1) GOD or 2) US. Our God is worthy to be praised and worthy of our THANKFULNESS because, "Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created." Revelations 4:11 HE CREATED ALL THINGS (including us) AND FOR HIM they were created…wow…and to think He shares so much with us—even His glory He wants to share with us if you read Romans chapter 8! Also, David, in Psalm 100, points to creation as a reason to be thankful and give praises to our Lord for His mighty hand in His creative works!
The other reason we can always, always be thankful to our God is because of HIS PLAN OF REDEMPTION! "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever should believe in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." Revelation 5:9 reads, "And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy art Thou to take the book and to break its seals; for Thou was slain, and did not purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation," and in verse 12, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."
Therefore, let us be thankful today in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, for the GOD OF CREATION and the GOD OF SALVATION is sitting on the throne. Let us give Him the glory and honor due to Him, and he shall lift US up!
In the love of a mighty and saving God, may God bless your day today!
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