By Buddy Dawson
Buddy and Maude Dawson are the founders and directors of the River of Life Worship Center, 3504 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington, NC. therolwc.org/[email protected]
Thankfulness
Week 20 in a multi-part series
More than eighty verses in the Bible address the attitude of thankfulness.
Most of these verses were written by David who had learned to be thankful, no matter what circumstances he faced. Whether he was being blessed by God, rebuked by the prophet or running for his life, David was always thankful. Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! (Psalm 105:1 NKJV) I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds (Psalms 9:1 NKJV).
If alone, surrounded by his mighty men, or in front of the entire congregation of Israel, David would boldly give thanks. I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you (Psalms 35:18 NKJV). In the New Testament, an attitude of thankfulness is not just suggested but commanded. For example: pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:17, 18 NKJV).
There was a time I had difficulty with this verse, for it sounded like all circumstances were to be considered God’s will no matter how evil. Later, I discovered that it was the giving of thanks that was His will — and I could trust Him to handle the circumstances.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Ephesians 4:6 NKJV).
It is amazing how an attitude of thankfulness can take my mind off of the circumstances and onto the One I can trust. Thankfulness is the foundation for any and all earnest, heartfelt prayer.
Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Ephesians 5:20 NKJV). Giving God thanks for everything is an attitude of faith. It is like saying, “I trust you with the outcome of this situation, no matter what it looks like.” This helps me to stay in an attitude of peace and hope, while I stand on His promises.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful (Colossians 3:15 NKJV).
We read in I Chronicles 23:30: the nation of Israel began adding thanksgiving to their daily sacrifice: to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening. But this too became another dead religious ritual added to their formal worship service.
We, as New Testament believers, have to be careful that we do not relegate the attitude of thankfulness to only the days we feel thankful, or just during our praise and worship time in church. A lifestyle of thankfulness changes our hearts and transforms our lives. However, more importantly, every parent or anyone who regularly serves others knows the pleasure of hearing a sincere “thank you.”
Our Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit within us, are no exception!
