Thankfulness that Makes a Difference

Have you ever really thought about the word “thanks”? We focus on giving thanks Thanksgiving Day, but for the most part, we do give thanks on a daily basis. We say thanks when someone holds a door for us or when bags of groceries are carried in from the car. We like to give thanks for the things we appreciate. Recently when I called a friend, the conversation ended with a sweet response of “Thank you for calling.” After a special time with another friend, texts crossed as we both wanted to express thanks for our time together. Receiving thanks touches a special place in our hearts, because we know what we did made a difference.

The Cambridge Dictionary describes thanks as words or actions that show you are grateful or pleased about something. When you are happy something took place, you express that, and not just around the Thanksgiving Day table.

Delighted to have the Ark of the Covenant return to Jerusalem, David called the Israelites to express their thanks to God in worship. 1 Chronicles 16 shares the story of David arranging to have the Ark returned to Jerusalem after remaining in the house of Obed-edom for three months. Not yet having a permanent temple, David prepared a tent as the place for the Ark to reside. With its return, David wrote a hymn of praise, calling the people to come and actively express thanks to God for His goodness.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered.” (1 Chronicles 16:8-12)

In their worship of God, the people called on His holy name, giving Him glory and praise. They acknowledged Him as their Creator, their strength, their Shepherd, a God to be feared above all gods. They also took time to remember. Miraculous works of God were experienced throughout their history, but when the people turned away from God in sin, they experienced His judgment. However, even the judgment of God is remembered with thanksgiving. Through all the seasons of their history, in times of sin, in times of battle, in times of prosperity, in times of victory, God remained faithful in His steadfast love and goodness. Knowing God, remembering His works led the people to one desire – to seek Him. Expressing gratitude to God developed a desire for Him, for His presence not just remembered in their past but His continual presence for their future.

Giving thanks. Do I give thanks to God? I’m afraid I ask for more than I give thanks for. I worry about the present and future instead of remembering His faithfulness and His marvelous works of the past. I thank Him for the food He provides and the needs He supplies, but do I truly give thanks? Do I dig deep and thank Him for past difficulties, past mistakes, past moments of His clear goodness that I have failed to notice? Have I thanked Him for His correction, causing me to see His mercy, His unfailing love and grace?

As a church we have been challenged to dig deep and pray, to spend time praying until we have prayed. Part of prayer is expressing thanks to God for who He is and what He has done. Expressing praise to God with a grateful heart in prayer will cause you to see Him, to seek Him, and to desire His presence continually. Receiving thanks may touch your heart, but in giving thanks, God will change your heart. As you see who He is and what He does, you will know He has made the difference. Have you given thanks?