Why Is It Good To Give Thanks?

Psalm 92:1-4 

We teach it to our kids.  We notice it when they don’t say it.  In fact we often time ourselves to see how long it might take them to recognize something we have done and see if they will say thank you.  We intrinsically know that it is good to say thank you.  Maybe that is the reason God says…“It is good to give thanks to the LORD…” Ps.92:1-2

1.   Giving thanks helps us recognize our dependence upon God

When we give thanks we are recognizing God’s life, His power, His love and how it affects us.  We are mindful all we have is due Him.  It is a way to affirm and strengthen our faith.  We are standing at the foot of the cross, or in front of the altar at the Jordan, we are circling Jericho.  Giving thanks to God causes us to remember His power, and affirm His love in our lives.

2.   Giving thanks matures our character 

-      It delights the inward soul

It centers our attention on our God which allows our anxiety to be replaced with faith.  Isaiah reminds us that when our hearts and minds are focused on the Lord we experience peace.  We focus on what is rather than what is not.  We celebrate what has been given versus being filled with fear and disappointment with what has been withheld.

-      It deepens our wisdom

Meditation on the great works and deep thoughts of God is the way to avoid sin and deepen wisdom ( Ps. 92:5–6).

3.   Giving thanks helps us establish a redemptive pattern

As we look back and give thanks we imprint on our memory a history of God’s work.  Psalm 107 repeats five times the call, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.”  Don’t forget what God has done.  Can you see a pattern of His faithfulness?  Do you see how He has led your life?  His past works will change the way you look at your present situation and your future path. 

4.   Giving thanks inspires others to trust in God

One last direction we need to consider.  Our thanks has an outward benefit.  The psalmist speaks of a declaration.  When we declare God’s faithfulness it helps the senseless man or the stupid man who has up to this point simply taken credit for what he has. 

The Bible describes a stupid man as one who has no idea of God’s plans.  He has no awareness of God’s power, His providence or His grace.  Giving thanks helps to get rid of stupidity in your midst.  How incredible is that!!! 
It is good to give thanks to the Lord.  Like a healing balm, like a refreshing brook is a grateful heart.  Tweet your thanks, Facebook your thanks, speak your thanks and watch stupidity flee.