This week we want to consider the important exercise of giving thanks to God. I’m sure that none of us would think of ourselves as unthankful, but, really, when was the last time you bowed in prayer and thanked God specifically for something of his unfailing care and provision. If all we can conjure up is a culturally correct prayer at mealtime, then we have grounds for earnest reflection.
Often times, we do not offer thanksgiving because we do not “feel” thankful. But thanksgiving does not flow out of a feeling, but rather finds its origin in a conscious recognition of benefit derived and enjoyed. Take time to read that sentence again. The Scriptures remind us that the LORD “daily loadeth us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19). The words “daily” and “loadeth” are inescapably convicting and remind us of God’s unrelenting goodness and our own spiritual dullness.
Surely, God is good, unceasingly good, and ever only good! Our failure to note and observe his goodness is just that – our failure! We must take note of his goodness. David was so convinced of the importance of thanksgiving as a necessary element of worship that “he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel” (I Chronicles 16:4). Thanksgiving was an essential part of their liturgy. It must be ours as well.
Is there something however small or seemingly inconsequential that refreshed your soul and brought joy to your heart? Of a truth, it came from God. The Scriptures declare that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Perhaps, a cool breeze on a hot afternoon, a good night’s rest, or the communion of a good friend – the list is limited only by our own lack of wonder.
We would do well to take note of his goodness and give thanks. As the Psalmist related, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing” (Psalm 107:21-22).
Conversely, Paul taught Timothy that an “unthankful” heart (among other things) would characterize those living in the last days making those days indeed “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1-2). We are not surprised. An unthankful heart is symptomatic of those who have chosen to live unto themselves declaring they have no need of God. How foolish! How proud! How self-deceived!
Let us not be deceived. God is unfailingly good because it is his nature. He cannot be otherwise. This goodness that flows unhindered and unceasing from his nature purposefully leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). This is another one of God’s good gifts, that we might know him who is the giver of life itself. Are you thankful?
From the Chaplain 