Saturday, November 22, 2008

IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim
your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening.
Psalm 92:1,2 NLT

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When a young child receives something and fails to express gratitude, a parent most likely will quickly encourage him with, “say thank you.” Expressing gratitude is a basic courtesy in cultures around the world.

As you are well aware, next Thursday is Thanksgiving day. Most families will get together on or near that date to have turkey and all the trimmings. While some may talk about what they are thankful for, most everyone will end up eating too much. Even if we spent the entire day sharing what we are thankful for, it would not measure up to what the Psalmist has in mind when he says, “It is good to give thanks.” He is referring to a practice that goes on day after day – as a way of life.

Relationships are strengthened where mutual gratitude is shown. When people express thanks to others, it lifts their spirits and the spirits of those whom they thank. “It is good to give thanks.”

Studies at the U of California at Davis as well as other studies find overwhelming evidence that gratitude has a profound positive effect on peoples’ lives. “Gratitude journals” – in which people write down each day a short list of things they are thankful for – have become a popular practice and have proven even helpful for people to come out of depression. “It is good to give thanks.”

Now if it is a good thing to thank each other and to think about things we are grateful for - how much better and how much greater the benefits if our thanks are also directed to the LORD. . . Most High! Thanking and praising God throughout the day for His unfailing love and faithfulness needs to be our goal. He wants us to continually PRACTICE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. Paul would add Even In Times Like These, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT It is good to give thanks to the Lord!

Let’s Pray-
Heavenly Father, forgive us for grumbling about the glass being half empty when we should be thanking you that it is half full. Your blessings are endless! Grant us eyes to see them, and a heart that expresses gratitude for them!
Amen


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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am the first one up today, and have my coffee and checked this morning's Scripture on your blog. Last night at church, Pastor Jeff preached on the same thing, and worship was very special, so when I read this comment this mornng, I say yes, yes, yes! I know the Lord must enjoy our thanksgivings to Him, but it feels so good for us to do it! Must be His smile and His presence when we do!
Thanks again to you for doing this every Saturday and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
Carleen Koske

Anonymous said...

One of the things I am most thankful for is a wonderful brother in the Lord, like you Iver. Hope all is well. See you tomorrow.
Mark Bowman

Anonymous said...

Iver and Donna: This is priceless. I've been thinking along those lines also. I was sharing with a young friend this morning how I had read a book when I was younger titled "An Attitude of Gratitude." It always stuck with me and strengthened me in the Lord and with others. My most recent gratitude is the way the Lord has recently restored my soul far beyond what it ever has been. I'm SO grateful for what He did on that cross and meditate on it constantly. I'm also VERY thankful for you and Donna.

This is a marvellous thing you are doing here. God bless you. I SO appreciated your coming to Harvey's funeral and sitting down with me. You're both such an encouraging comfort!

Love, LaVel Reichle