November is a month where we focus on giving thanks. But why is it important to give thanks?
Simply because the Bible says so…
give thanks in all circumstances;…. 1 Thessalonians 5:18a
Paul writes to the people of Thessalonica that they should give thanks in all things, good and bad. It can be hard to be thankful when things don’t go the way we want, or bad things happen. But even in the bad times we can be thankful that God is in control. Even it may be hard now, God is there with us and He will help us in whatever is happening.
Giving thanks is a idea that is seen all through the Bible…
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 107:1, and more!
That’s right, throughout the Bible we are told to give thanks to God because of His love. God has shown us love by sending Jesus to take the punishment for our disobedience to God so that we could have a relationship with Him. Give thanks to God.
Have you ever wondered why people pray before meals? Take a look at Mark 8:6
And He [Jesus] directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, He broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd.
When Jesus fed the 4,000 in Mark, He gave thanks for the food that was given, as small as it seemed for such a large crowd. That’s one reason why people gives thanks, pray, before they eat. Thanking God for what they have to eat, whether a little, or a lot.
So remember to give thanks to God for all the things He has done!
