Part 1 Gifts
What a kindness you have given us in calling us to give thanks in all things. You, Lord God, know what is best and work powerfully and patiently to bring it to pass.
Giving thanks in all is a privilege. It is also God inviting us into a partnership with Him where He has at least four rich gifts awaiting us.
Psalm 50:23 shows us two of those gifts. “He who offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me…” This speaks of sacrifice, denying self, giving thanks when it is not natural, when it costs us.
This obedience of faith is a great means of glorifying God. When we give thanks in the midst of hurt, disappointment, suffering or loss, the angels stand in awe, the demons cringe in defeat, people are amazed and God’s name is lifted on high.
Note that this is not being thankful, which is an emotion, but giving thanks, which is an act of the will, often against what we feel.
Giving God such glory is the purpose for which we were created. So every time we find ourselves in situations where there is no solution, no discernible good, no positive point (as we are right now with my little wife’s illness), we can choose to believe that God is good, at work and trustable–and we can demonstrate this trust by giving thanks.
In doing so we are fulfilling the reason for our existence (worshiping God) and doing something that will last for eternity. This privilege of giving thanks by faith is the first gift.
You, Lord, are the God who is beyond our dreams, beyond our hopes, beyond our understanding. You are Great and Powerful, Glorious and Perfect, Gracious and Pure.
You are the fulfillment of the longing of our hearts and far more. Glory and honor belong to you alone! And we praise you for the privilege of giving you honor with the sacrifice of thanksgiving.]
