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As we look back to the year 2009, despite the recession that plagued the world’s economy, there are still innumerable things that we can thank God for. If we only pause and think for a moment to count our blessings and name them one by one, (as the lyrics of the song “Count Your Blessings”  goes) we can come up with a multitude of things to thank God for.  

We may not have millions of money in the bank or own the biggest house or possess the newest car model. But we have our job, we have food on the table for every meal, we have our family and friends, we have good health….. What about being thankful for the stranger who gave you a smile on your morning commute, or that free coffee or lunch that someone bought or gave you, or even the ray of sunshine that shines through your window every morning? Or even the freedom to worship God in the comfort of the church and of your home? 

If we think of the people that are without a home or without a job, people caught in wars, even those who do not have access to food, clean water or toilet facilities, those suffering from drought or famine, in spiritual, emotional, physical and mental bondage, and many other inhumane conditions, I am pretty sure we can say with confidence that we are truly blessed.  

How often do we say “Thank you Lord!” ? The Bible tells us to give thanks to the Lord. I have picked several verses from the Scriptures that answer the following questions:

• Why do we give thanks to the Lord?
• When do we give thanks to the Lord?
• How do we give thanks to the Lord?

WHY DO WE GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD? 

Psalm 7:17 -  I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. 

Psalm 118:21 - I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 

Psalm 118:28 - You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 

Psalm 100:4 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 

Psalm 105:1 - Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 

Psalm 107:8 - Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. 

Psalm 118:29 - Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 

2 Corinthians 2:19 - Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 

I Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

WHEN DO WE GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD?

I Thessalonians 5:18- Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

- We give thanks to the Lord in good times and in bad times; we give thanks for answered prayers, but we should give thanks for unanswered prayers as well. 

Philippians 4: 6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

HOW DO WE GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD?

We are called to give thanks in the presence of God’s people.

Psalm 35:18 - I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you. 

Isaiah 12: 4 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done,  and proclaim that his name is exalted. 

God called us to be bold in prayers!

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

When was the last time you thanked God?