“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”’ Luke 17:15-19
Remember the story about the ten lepers? They cried out to Jesus to have mercy on them and they were healed as they went. But only one of them thought to turn around to worship and thank Jesus. Jesus was touched by his response and blessed the newly healed man further by commending him for his faith.
Thanksgiving directs our gaze directly into the eyes of God and gives us a better perspective on our life. Praise elevates God to his proper place, He is majestic and powerful and awesome. Focusing on what he has done reminds us that he can help us with anything we face. God is good regardless of our circumstances, and he asks us to give thanks when things are going well and when they are not. There is always something for us to give thanks for. The very fact that we are saved, is enough for us to give thanks for all eternity. When we worship through thankfulness, we are focusing on the ways God has blessed us, protected us, provided for us, loved us, been present in our trials, answered our prayers…the list could go on and on. Thankfulness keeps our heart posture open and soft toward the Lord. Thankfulness is evidence of a life lived in Christ. Not only is thankfulness an offering of worship we give to the Lord, there are benefits for us as well. According to Philippians 4:4-7, praise and thanksgiving help dismantle anxiety and usher in peace. Psalm 50:14-15 says our offering of thanksgiving assures us the Lord will deliver us in our time of trouble. Thankfulness is not a feeling, rather it is a spiritual discipline we are designed to practice always that puts us in the center of God’s will for our lives (1 Thessalonians 1:16-18). What a joy to bring our offerings of praise and thanksgiving to God!
Listening Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind all the things God is doing in your life. Give thanks to him in response.
Prayer:
Precious Lord, There are countless ways you have blessed me, loved me, helped me, intervened on my behalf, protected me, provided for me, and pursued me. I take time now to give thanks for __________ (list all the things he brings to mind). I submit my thoughts to you, Holy Spirit, and ask for a mind filled with gratitude. Help me to see your good in all circumstances. May my thankfulness be contagious and change the atmosphere wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Step:
Make a list of things you are thankful for throughout your day and share it with the Lord as an act of worship before bed.
Resource: Bible Verses on Thanksgiving
All of Psalm 100
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”’(Psalm 50:14-15)
Worship Song:
“Gratitude” by Brandon Lake