Practicing Thankfulness.

Introduction:

In our world today someone is always coming up with the next gimmick. There are diets, exercise plans, meditation techniques, sleep therapy, so many things. I discovered a new one this week. Rather than tell you what it is, let me show you the purported benefits of it. If you adopt this new regimen you will:

take better care of themselves physically and mentally

engage in more protective health behaviors and maintenance

get more regular exercise

eat a healthier diet

have improved mental alertness

schedule regular physical examinations with their doctors

cope better with stress and daily challenges

feel happier and more optimistic

avoid problematic physical symptoms

have stronger immune systems

maintain a brighter view of the future

Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?

Which comes first, being thankful, the attitude, or saying thank you, the words.

Which comes first, thankfulness or joy?

When we want to learn something we look to others for examples. Jesus is an example for us of thankfulness. 1 Corinthians 11:24; Matthew 15:36; Mark 8:6, Matthew 11:25

Main idea: Thankfulness is a key to enjoying God and all His blessings.

Thankfulness is what we do when we notice what God does.

1. Thankful for the wonder of creation Psalm 19:1-4; 33:6-9; 104:1-24

2. Thankful for God’s goodness.

A. Seen in His good deeds. 1 Chronicles 16:8-12; Matthew 5:45

B. Seen in forgiveness Psalm 32:5; 99:8; 103:3; Isaiah 12:1

C. Seen in His provision Leviticus 7:12, 13; 22:29; Psalm 50:14, Philippians 4:19

3. Thankful that God is just

A. When things go bad Job 1:21

B. When executing justice Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 99:4

4. Thankful for God’s love. Deuteronomy 16:9-15; 2 Chronicles 30:21,22

A. Even though we don’t deserve it. Romans 5:8-10

B. As a Father Psalm 108:13

5. Thankful for Christ’s sacrifice.

A. Why He did it, grace 1 Corinthians 1:4

B. What it gives us, eternal life 2 Corinthians 9:15

C. Who it is for, all people 1 John 2:2

6. Thankful for the Body of Christ

A. For the love of the brethren Ephesians 1:15,16; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

B. For the partnership in ministry Philippians 1:3-5; Colossians 1:3-4;

7. Thankful for all things 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Ephesians 5:20

On the surface this seems like such an extreme statement that most of us dismiss it.

There is so much wrong in the world, sin, suffering, pain and injustice that it is hard to imagine there is something about these that we can say “Thank you” to God for them.

How do we resolve this tension? Do we try to do some exegetical gymnastics to explain it away.

We can be thankful for aspects of a situation without being thankful for the event.

We can say thank you to God for

being with us

bringing us through, Peggy Lee’s house

peace

it not being worse

knowing everything will be okay