I'd like to share what I read and gleaned from In Touch (a monthly mini magazine from In Touch Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Charles Stanley ).
Psalm 105: 1-5, "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced."
Thanking God not only glorifies and magnifies God but also benefits us! The Lord obviously does not need our thanks, but we need to give it so that we can become what He wants us to be: unselfish, encouraged, and confident. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of gratitude!
Psalm 105: 1-5, "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced."
Thanking God not only glorifies and magnifies God but also benefits us! The Lord obviously does not need our thanks, but we need to give it so that we can become what He wants us to be: unselfish, encouraged, and confident. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of gratitude!
- Giving thanks refocuses our attention.
Life is filled with situations and distractions that keep us from seeing all that God has done for us. Instead of getting out of bed with the weight of the world on your shoulders, try refocusing on the Lord by thanking Him for His past provisions, guidance, and faithfulness. How about His constant love, grace, and mercy for us? - Giving thanks relieves anxiety.
Since our fast-paced society has lots of pressure, expectations, and responsibilities, many people live in constant anxiety. But when we bring our concerns to the Lord with thanksgiving, we lay down all our burdens at His feet and His peace comes to us. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) - Giving thanks refreshes our relationship.
Gratitude keeps us from thinking that the Christian walk is all about us and our needs. Our fellowship with God is enhanced because we're focused on Him, instead of ourselves. - Giving thanks reinforces our faith.
When we thank God for His past faithfulness, our confidence in His present faithfulness soars. - Giving thanks rejoices our spirit.
Giving thanks to God is the best way to dig ourselves out of the doldrums of discouragement.