Garry spoke this morning from Colossians 1:9-12 about joyfully giving thanks. Thanksgiving is a vital part of the Christian life. When David had the ark brought back to Jerusalem, he appointed Asaph to lead worship and gave instructions as to how this should be done (see 1 Chron 16:8-36). One aspect of this is conveyed in the Hebrew word ‘yadah’, which is often associated with lifting hands in worship. There is so much more to thanksgiving than simply verbal thanks.
Paul gives thanks to God in many ways: in public prayers, in blessing food, in expressing gratitude. We give thanks because God’s love endures forever (see Ps 136) and because He meets our daily needs. We thank God because He works on our behalf (Ps 9:1) and delivers us (Rom 7:25). We thank God for His grace and favour, for His presence, for His mercies.
Giving thanks must be done in all circumstances (1 Thess 5:18) and for everything (Eph 5:20). Not everything which happens in life is good, nor are we thanking God for evil. But we can give thanks no matter what because we know God works for our good in all situations (Rom 8:28) and even when our lives seem shattered, He can build something beautiful from our broken pieces. Suffering can produce growth (James 1:2-4) and we can give thanks always because we know who God is and what He has done.
Understanding God’s purposes may well take time, but joy comes as we see who God is and appreciate the way He works for good in everything.