WHY SHOULD I?

Why is there a need for giving thanks?  What possible good comes from a spirit of thankfulness?  Who could possibly deserve our gratitude?  




As I began my meditations on thanks, these questions popped to the top of those worthy of musing.  When I think of thanksgiving, normally a list begins to form in my head---all those things for which I am thankful.  Perhaps there should first be an explanation of the whys before I embark upon the exercise of the numbered lists.



What spirit is indicative of true thankfulness?  Surely a humble heart is needed to express real thanks.  An acknowledgement of gifts which I do not deserve, could never earn, and would not have without someone giving them to me-making them all possible.  The prayer, "Thank you, Father for the food I have planted, I have tended, I have grown, I have prepared, and which I am about to eat,"  somehow misses the mark of thanks.  Forgotten is the miracle of nature--that allows the very process, the rain which fell from the heavens, the sun necessary for the growth, and the very dirt where it is planted.  We all tend to take far more credit than we deserve for all the blessings we have received.  Man loves to sit upon the throne, receive the gold trophy, and proudly boast of all his accomplishments.  We are all guilty.

Then I thought of the times I was absolutely dragging--in the depths of depression--and sure my world had collapsed.  Getting my eyes off my navel--even when times truly were bad--the worst---and remembering all I do have to be thankful for is the best cure for the dumps I have ever known.  There are man-made remedies which help, but God's sure fire cure of a thankful heart is a permanent elixir for that which emotionally ails you.

Thankfulness acknowledges there is one greater than me to whom I owe gratitude for those blessings which only could have come from Him.  Thankfulness is the beginning of true worship. Thankfulness is the recognition of God's omnipotence and our dependence upon Him.  Though God does not need our thanks and praise, He is well pleased when we remember to thank Him and begin the process of recognition of who He is..

So before I begin a list--before I give you 3 good points and a good ending--I confess my unworthiness and God's great love.  I am thankful He loves me in spite of my arrogance and dissatisfaction.  I am thankful for His patience with my half hearted thanks.  I am thankful He is my God.


Give thanks in all circumstances; 
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

6 comments

  1. Great post, Lulu. Even if you beat me to it. I had planned for this weekend to post a recording on this very subject which I made years ago when I had a radio program. I found some old tapes which I managed to rescue some bits into a digitally re-mastered recording.

    Indeed we have a lot to be thankful for, but sadly a lot of us go through life taking things and each other for granted. So, in case I never said it before, I am thankful I met you on the internet. Your Blog is fun and illuminating. I have learnt a lot from you.

    God bless.

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    1. I am looking forward to hearing your post, Victor. A radio celebrity - who knew we had a celeb in the blogging world! You are on my list, Victor, and I am thankful God crossed our paths. What a blessing !
      Bless you, My Friend!

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  2. I think this is your best one yet!!! When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? This came to mind, that our gracious heavenly Father has given us the world and all that is in it, we should be so humble and thankful that he loves us so. With thankful hearts we should praise and adore him. Thank you for a wonderful, heart felt post.

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    1. Could not have added anything to that-it preaches !
      Blessings!

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  3. Hi Lulu! Your sample insincere prayer was just so funny! But it really hit home. What do I have that didn't come from the Lord? Nothing, that's what.
    Being thankful really does help mend me from the blues sometimes. It helps me understand that God's got me, and my situation, and it's all going to be okay. May God keep me humble before him, and before everyone else for that matter.
    Looking forward to your list!
    Ceil

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    1. First I have to get past wandering around this topic of thankfulness, Ceil! I have changed my intended topics everyday this week- so who know where I go next- Only God.
      Blessings, Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!