Giving Thanks to God

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in this country, we tend to be more mindful of the blessings we have. We have many things to be thankful for, and we ought to recognize God as the source of these blessings (James 1:17).

With this in mind, I want to briefly look at Colossians 3:15-17. These three verses contain three reminders to us to be thankful. These verses also give reasons why we should be thankful to God.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful" (v. 15). As Christians, we can be thankful because we are part of His body, the church, where salvation is (Ephesians 5:23). We have the peace of Christ, being assured of the salvation we have in Him.

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (v. 16). We sing hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness. We also sing in order to teach and admonish one another. This reminds us that we should be thankful that we have our brethren for support and encouragement (cf. Ephesians 4:15-16; Hebrews 3:12-13).

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (v. 17). We often cite this verse to show that we must do all things by the authority of Christ. But this, too, is a call for thanksgiving. Give thanks that God has revealed His will to us that we can know how to please Him.

As you reflect on the many reasons you have to be thankful, do not forget what Paul mentions in these three short verses. Give thanks to God for your salvation as part of Christ's body, for your brethren, and for the Word that reveals the will of God.

Always Giving Thanks

Around the time of the Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded of how richly we have been blessed by God. James tells us, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17). Of course, we should be "always giving thanks" (Eph. 5:20), not just during this time of year. But the holiday serves as a good reminder for us.

Sometimes though we are tempted to think negatively of our situation despite God's abundant blessings. It is easy to look at others around us who have more of this world's goods and who don't seem to have to struggle as we sometimes do in order to make ends meet. If we allow it, bitterness can creep in and we will end up miserable. But if we put away covetousness and are truly thankful for what God has given us, it will be easier to see how blessed we are.

But holidays can also be a time of sadness for those who have endured some great loss, such as the death of a loved one or some financial tragedy. How should we react when some of our greatest blessings are lost or we are not being blessed as others are?

Consider the example of Job. In a short time his family and great wealth were taken away (Job. 1:13-19). Did he blame God? Did he become depressed and say that life was not fair? No. Notice what he did immediately after hearing the reports of his catastrophic loss:

"Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job. 1:20-21).

Job recognized that God was in control. He blesses us according to His will. He knows what is best for us (cf. Mt. 6:8). We must simply trust in Him.

You may, at this time or other times, be suffering great hardship and loss. You could certainly look to others who are more prosperous than you are. But in any of these circumstances, we can still see how God has blessed us if we are willing to recognize it. Throughout our lives, whether times are good or bad, let us be truly thankful to the Lord for the good things He has given and praise His name.