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1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Doesn’t it feel great when someone says thank you to you!? I know it does for me. Most people enjoy the acknowledgement of a job well done, an expression of gratitude for help, being appreciated for a gift, a kind word, or just being available. It’s nice to receive a thank you. We feel seen, noticed, acknowledged for something we did or said, or had part in. We may even feel that sense of accomplishment or connection and that we do matter to another or some cause. In addition, we can feel a sense that we made a difference, had an impact, added something of significance to another’s life or project. We do naturally like to be part of something bigger than ourselves. There is something amazing in these little words of “thank you.”
Now, true, sometimes we can feel a bit surprised because we wonder if we really merit a ‘thank you.’ We can easily think we are not worthy of it or that deserving of the appreciation. I know I sometimes struggle in receiving a thank you. I know it’s mostly because of my past in experiencing harsh criticism, so it does take some thought to let the wonderful aroma of the blessing of thanks encourage me. But it does bring on much joy and a thankfulness to God for the opportunity to bless another.
Counselors, life coaches, and psychologists tell us that there is a great benefit in giving thanks. In an online article from Psychology Today, entitled 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude, seven powerful blessings of thanks are revealed. When we are thankful or express gratitude, it opens doors to more and deeper relationships, improves our physical health, builds empathy, reduces aggression, and even brings on better sleep! There is proven research showing that expressing thanks is truly a blessing. The Bible encourages us to be thankful.
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Much of our thanks should be directed to God who does provide for us according to Philippians 4:10, Matthew 6:31-32 and James 1:17.
Psalms 107:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 9:1-2 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Giving thanks also greatly encourages others. The Apostle Paul was good at thanking others.
Ephesians 1:16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.
Colossians 1:3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.
As we approach this season of thanksgiving, let’s give thanks. Yes, to God for who He is and all the blessings we have from Him, but also let’s be generous with thanks for others. Who could you bless with thanks this week?
Church is a perfect place to give thanks to God and others. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church and would love for you to connect with us! Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our Sunday gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to give thanks along with you,
Mike McKay, Lead Pastor, Neighborhood Church
