The Power of ThanksgivingShembull

The Power of Your Attitude in Thanksgiving

By Pastor Jeff Seward

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 107:1 (NKJV)

Are you a thankful person? 

Often when my car is stopped at a red light, I notice other drivers who want to merge onto the street from a parking lot. I often wave the driver into my lane ahead of me because I am personally grateful when other drivers show me similar kindness. 

Sadly, when people are treated with courtesy, sometimes there is no acknowledgement or appreciation. When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he said one of the characteristics of the last days is that people will be unthankful. How very common that is in our present world!

In Luke 17:11-19, we read how Jesus healed ten lepers. However, only one of the nine returned to show appreciation for His miraculous healing. The miracle revealed the attitude of the thankful leper’s heart, as well as the attitudes of those who didn’t express thanks. When Jesus told the thankful man that he was healed, Jesus may have meant a deeper work in this man’s heart. The other lepers had whole bodies but sick hearts.

The late Matthew Henry, a well-known Bible commentator and minister, was once robbed of his wallet. That night he wrote in his diary that he was thankful he’d never been robbed before this incident. Second, he gave thanks that the robbers had not taken his life. Third, Henry noted that although the robbers took all the money in his wallet, it really wasn’t very much. And finally, the minister wisely recognized that he was thankful to be the one being robbed . . . and not the robber.

As God’s people, we have everything with which to be thankful. It is good to reflect on what you have. Every good gift is from God. God has blessed you with life, access to a personal relationship with Him, daily provision, gifts and talents, work, family, friends, the family of God, and a hope of Heaven with Him for eternity. 

The more we learn about God, the more we should praise and glorify Him. Our gratitude to Him for all of His goodness is one of the most beautiful ways to offer praise and thanksgiving to Him.

So, to ask the question again, are you a thankful person?