The Apostle Paul states in Colossians 2:6-7,
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Consider for a moment that last phrase “overflowing with thankfulness.”
An attitude of ingratitude hardens our hearts and destroys our relationship with God and others. Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart. One of the Bible’s indictments against humanity, which is as true when it was written 2000 years ago as it is today) is “although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him.” (Romans 1:21)
And nothing will restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thanksgiving, so below are…
5 Ways to Thank God this Thanksgiving
1. Thank God for the Material Blessings That He Gives You
-“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12)
-“Give me neither poverty nor riches — feed me with the food allotted to me.” (Proverbs 30:8b)
-Pray that God would bless you with just the right amount – not too much that you forget to acknowledge God as the source, and not too little that you might be tempted to dishonoringly acquire more.
2. Thank God for the People in Your Life
-“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times;” (Romans 1:8-10)
3. Thank God in the Midst of Trials and Even Persecution
-Why? Our view of God’s sovereignty
-“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3)
-“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18)
4.Thank God Especially for His Salvation in Jesus Christ
-Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
-He did for us what we could not do for ourselves
5. Thank God for His Continued Presence and Power in Your Life
-When we come to Christ, it is not the end but the beginning of a whole new life! He is with us, and He wants to help us follow Him and His Word.
-“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
