Remembering God's Goodness This Thanksgiving SeasonНамуна

In the Old Testament, Israel worshiped God through various required religious sacrifices and offerings. The thanksgiving offering was different. It wasn’t an obligation. No one had to do it. People gave to God out of the overflow of thankfulness in their heart. They might give thanks as an act of worship, because of an unanswered prayer, or in response to God’s work in their life. These thanksgiving offerings became not only material sacrifices, but sacrifices of praise, prayers, and singing.

As a kid, one of my parents would give me money to buy the other parent a birthday gift. Even when I had an allowance or helped around the house, I had nothing to give that they didn’t provide first. Similarly, anything we give to God we first receive from Him. We wouldn’t have breath in our lungs, praise in our hearts, or a dime to our name apart from God’s grace. Admitting everything comes from God doesn’t belittle our gift; it helps us hold things loosely and give thanks quickly.

In 1 Chronicles 29, David throws a party after commissioning his son Solomon. As he seeks to fund the temple, he doesn’t tax the people or command donations. He encourages them to give according to what God has given them and leads them in a prayer of thanksgiving that dwells on God’s attributes and acts. Nothing motivates thankfulness and worship of God like remembering God’s goodness and grace.

Don’t forget this is David, the famous king of Israel. Most kings and presidents across history become drunk on their power. But David stays humble because his eyes remain on God. Knowledge of God provides perspective. Any wisdom, strength, or gifts and abilities David possessed were God-given, and he knew it.

Grace makes us grateful, and gratitude spawns generosity. We believe God provides and it frees us to give back to Him. Because we believe God blesses us in countless ways, we thank Him. And because God has fought our battles for us, preserving us to this very day, we give thanks for the past and trust Him for the future. A right view of God transforms our grumbling into gratitude. A right view of self humbles the proud, producing thanksgiving for what we’ve received.

Where in your life have you experienced God’s provision, wisdom, blessing, protection, victory, and strength? How can you give Him thanks in words and in your life?