We learn it and intentionally practice it examining especially Jesus’ example and the impact it has for us. Giving thanks keeps us mindful of God’s continuous generosity.

And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Matthew 15:35-17 (ESV)

In these verses the Lord Jesus Christ wants those present to connect this provision of bread and fish with their heavenly Father. The people saw Jesus give thanks, and then they are fully satisfied.

As believers we must not fall into the temptation of daily living without recognising the centrality of God to our existence and activities. Often there is a great deal of stress on generalized gratitude for all that we have in this world. Children are told to be thankful, to value what they have received—but to whom are they thankful? Instead of being thankful to Jesus, they might substitute life, this world, nature, goodness, and the like. We ought to live in the reality that food doesn’t merely come from stores, factories, or even the earth, but rather is a blessing from God Almighty.

You who answers prayer, [The root of the Hebrew word for “prayer” is palal, which also means “tent peg.” Jewish tradition views palal prayer (intercession) as a means of attaching yourself to God. In the same way a tent peg establishes a tent and fastens it securely, so palal prayer fastens the soul to God. Palal prayer is when you grab hold of God and attach yourself to him in surrender and humility. Hold on to God like a tent peg holds on to a tent] all of humanity comes before you with their requests. Though we are overcome by our many sins, your sacrifice covers over them all. How blessed is the one you choose to live near you in your courts. The beauty of your house, your holy temple, satisfies us. You answer our prayers with amazing wonders and with awe-inspiring displays of power. You are the righteous God who helps us like a father. Everyone everywhere looks to you, for you are the confidence of all the earth, even to the farthest islands of the sea. What jaw-dropping, astounding power is yours! You are the mountain maker who sets them all in place. You muzzle the roar of the mighty seas and the rage of mobs with their noisy riots. O God, to the farthest corners of the planet people will stand in awe, startled and stunned by your signs and wonders. Sunrise brilliance and sunset beauty both take turns singing their songs of joy to you. Your visitations of glory bless the earth; [The Septuagint reads “You’ve made the earth drunk with your visitations”] the rivers of God overflow and enrich it. You paint the wheat fields golden as you provide rich harvests. Every field is watered with the abundance of rain—showers soaking the earth and softening its clods, causing seeds to sprout throughout the land. You crown the earth with the fruits of your goodness. Wherever you go, the tracks of your chariot wheels drip with oil. Luxuriant green pastures boast of your bounty as you make every hillside blossom with joy. The grazing meadows are covered with flocks, and the fertile valleys are clothed with grain, each one dancing and shouting for joy, creation’s celebration! They’re all singing their songs of praise to you! Psalm 65:2-13 (TPT)

The scripture quoted above helps our understanding that giving thanks is an expression of our distinctive relationship with our Heavenly Father through Christ.

Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11:40–42 (ESV)

Thanksgiving is a form of prayer. God hears the prayers of all people, but only regards or listens to those of Christians. This is not because Christians are better behaved, but rather because of the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ has paid for the sins of all people, but not all are saved. The Holy Spirit brings the Gospel to the dead sinner and creates faith, through which we receive forgiveness and everlasting life. God regards the prayer of the Christian through the righteousness of His Son, Jesus. We thank God, but only through His Son, Jesus Christ. A struggle with thanksgiving is a struggle about living in what the Lord has accomplished in and for us. Please don’t enjoy God’s gifts without giving thanks and if our expressions of gratitude are perfunctory, we indirectly take credit for what God alone provides. Change and take the steps to give thanks for it is appropriate to do that. 

Shalom

Pastor Afolabi Oladele