Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV) says, 'Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...'
Some people may say, "What if I have no reason to give thanks?" It is understandable, especially in perilous and challenging times like these, or if a person is facing a health problem or financial problem. In situations like these, it is hard to give thanks. But what does the Bible say? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) says, 'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'.
Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV) says, 'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus'.
The word 'thanksgiving' here is 'eucharistia' in Greek, which means 'gratefulness/gratitude (as an act of worship, well-pleasing to God)', from the words 'eu' (well, good) and 'charis' (grace, favor, forgiveness). You see, your thanksgiving to God is in effect an act of worship, well-pleasing to God!
Therefore, never underestimate the power of giving thanks! Because when you start giving thanks (in spite of whatever you face in this world), something good happens, and you will see good changes in your life (even in your situation)! Believe and receive this by faith!
These are 5 ways (or reasons) why giving thanks is so important:
1. Giving thanks causes you to remember His goodness
Psalm 106:1 (NKJV) says, 'Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever'.
2. Giving thanks causes you to appreciate who God is in your life
Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy'.
3. Giving thanks causes you to experience God's presence in deeper ways
Psalm 100:1-4 (NKJV) says, 'Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name'.
4. Giving thanks causes you to triumph over despair and discouragement
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) says, 'Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place'.
5. Giving thanks causes you to be relieved from stress and health problems
Psalm 30:11-12 (NKJV) says, 'You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever'.
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