What does the Bible say about thanksgiving? Much! Too vast a subject to cover here. We may recall numerous Psalms of David with a thanksgiving theme - many of which have been used by hymn writers when composing hymns and songs of worship.
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! - Psalm 106:1
In addition to Psalms of praise, there are numerous Biblical references with a thanksgiving theme. But what is clear is that we, by being humble and accepting, should incorporate giving thanks to God as part of our everyday prayer.
Being thankful is about being grateful and giving thanks to God for all the many blessings and riches he has given us. It is often when in the darkest and most difficult times in our lives, giving thanks to God can be comforting and uplifting. When life is going well, we can easily forget to give God thanks. As Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be thankful in all situations, so should we. Not always easy!
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In his final words to the Church at Phillipi, Paul encourages the Philippians to rejoice in God always and to be thankful in prayer when making petition to God.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is nearby. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Philippians 4:4 - 6
Jesus often gave thanks. In particular he gave thanks to God before the Last Supper:
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” - Luke 22:19
The symbolism of the Last Supper and giving thanks to God for what was to come is a challenge to us all. Jesus knew the crucifixion was imminent, but he gave thanks – yes for the actual bread and wine, but here it meant more - which only he knew at the time.
The well-known hymn by Thomas Chisholm, Great is thy faithfulness is based on Lamentations 3:22 – 23. The book of Lamentations is a lament, written by Jeremiah. However, in the midst of the pain and suffering, Jerimiah here acknowledges the greatness of God’s love, faithfulness, mercy and forgiveness available to each and everyone of us every day. That indeed is something to be thankful for. Each day has new opportunities to love and serve others. Whatever has gone before, we are assured of God’s love and forgiveness.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23
The image I have chosen for this reflection is a photo of some winter jasmine that is currently flowering in my back garden. I look out of the kitchen window upon a wall of yellow, a reminder of God’s wonderful creation. Just one of many reasons to be thankful!
Generous God, for all that sustains us;
air to breath, warmth and light,
food to eat, water to drink,
we offer our thanks and praise.
For spiritual gifts that bind us together;
one people, one body
empowered for service
we offer our hands and voices.
For the Good News of the Gospel;
healing and wholeness
freedom and justice
we offer our hearts in service. Amen
Cathryn Clarke
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