Psalm 106:1 says, “Give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good.” The need for gratitude is stressed throughout Scripture, as is God’s goodness that should prompt gratitude. For instance, consider:
God’s Word: God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3) and made “known to us the mystery of His will” (Eph. 1:9a). God’s Word is full of truthful, honorable, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, and praiseworthy things (Phil. 4:8). It is our access to the “wisdom that is from above” (Jas. 3:17), and the guide to eternal life (John 6:68). Are we grateful for God’s Word, through which our Creator speaks to us today?
Jesus: God’s Word reveals His plan to redeem mankind from sin through Jesus (Rom. 5:7-8). Are we grateful to God for the love, grace, and mercy He demonstrated by giving us His Son? Are we grateful to Jesus for descending from heaven to live a persecuted life on earth and die on the cross?
Forgiveness: The gift of Jesus allows forgiveness of sins for those who trust and obey Him. The Jews Peter preached to in Acts 2 had delivered up the Messiah to be crucified, yet were told it was possible for their sins to be forgiven (Acts 2:38). Saul persecuted Christians, yet was told that if he submitted to God’s terms, his sins would be washed away (Acts 22:16). These individuals did not deserve God’s forgiveness, and neither do we. Are we grateful to Him for offering forgiveness?
Prayer: Those who submit to God’s terms for forgiveness are promised God’s providential care in answering prayer (1 Pet. 3:12). Prayer gives us the chance to ask for divine help in our lives. Are we grateful for this wonderful blessing?
Worship: Prayer is one form of worship toward God. Worship is an expression of gratitude, but it is also something to be grateful for itself. David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 122:1). Are we as thankful as David was for the chance to worship God?
Opportunities for Good: Opportunities for good works are numerous. “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:37) is a saying that applies not only to evangelizing the lost, but also to many other good works. Are we thankful for opportunities to do good?
These are just a few of the blessings that our good and perfect God offers us. May we appreciate these blessings and be grateful to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who make all blessings possible.
– Michael Hickox