Thanksgiving: A response to God’s Faithfulness

The way we view and respond when things do not go as planned is one of the aspects of a believer's life that I find fascinating. It's amazing to observe the aspect of thanksgiving to God in good times and bad. As humans, I completely understand that we can allow our circumstances at times to mislead us from the fact that God is always deserving of praise, both in good and bad circumstances. The psalmist confidently said, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalms 34:1 KJV). I’m very aware that it’s easier to quote this scripture than to live by it; however, I believe the knowledge of the faithfulness of God and the consciousness that we are not worthy of such faithfulness in every Christian’s life is the womb to the same conviction that the psalmist had. When I came to this knowledge, it raised the question of what we should give the Lord in exchange for all that he has done for us. Whether things are going well or poorly, we should never forget that our lives are an embodiment of the faithfulness of the living God, and that faithfulness should instill a lifelong appreciation, adoration, thanksgiving, obedience, praise, and worship to God. Thanksgiving is simply a result of what happens when someone takes time to water the seed of God’s faithfulness. Please take a few minutes to read a brief statement on something that is weighing heavily on my heart.

For me, God's faithfulness is one of the most priceless gifts that we as believers occasionally fail to recognize as something we have but aren't deserving of. It occasionally amazes me that we fail to recognise something we have from the everlasting God that we frequently long for from mere mortals. It is comparable to having a strong desire for something that you already own in significant amounts. The beauty is that we possess something as precious as God's faithfulness, though we're not worthy of it. The consciousness that we are not worthy of such faithfulness, something that is more precious than silver and gold, should establish a heart of thanksgiving, obedience, faithfulness, praise, and worship. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV). In order to really understand these words, I implore you to contemplate the author, the prophet Jeremiah. We are all too familiar with the story, so we need to think about how he felt. I think that even then, we wouldn't be able to understand the magnificent words that he spoke. Perhaps as you read this, your life seems to be in disarray from every perspective. I want you to realise that your vision just isn't capable of seeing things from God's perspective! Jesus murmured, "Peace, be still," amid the chaos. “I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath.” (Lamentations 3:1 KJV) The almighty God is the source of the magnificent contrast between suffering and hope. Although Jeremiah had to endure great suffering, trials of various kinds, and afflictions as a man of God, he also came across something as priceless as hope in God, which is an insurmountable thing. 2026 is quickly approaching; many believers can attest to the severity of trials of all kinds. I can assure you that even after you have triumphed over one, you will face more because the battles will get more intense as our Lord and Saviour's return draws nearer. However, I encourage you to never waver in your faith in God because of the integrity of the Bible. The consciousness of the faithfulness of God should establish a heart of thanksgiving when you take a moment to think about the goodness of God and all that he has done, whether things currently are well or not. I believe everyone should be thankful unto God because we are all witnesses of the faithfulness of God. 

In conclusion, I urge you to ask yourself this question: “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12 KJV) The psalmist gave his answer: “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalms 116:17-19 KJV) 

What is your answer?