BENEFITS OF THANKSGIVING

Title: BENEFITS OF THANKSGIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Supporting Texts: Psalm 100:4, Psalm 103:1-5, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 136:1-3, Ephesians 5:20

INTRODUCTION:
Thanksgiving is a powerful spiritual principle that God commands us to engage in continually. It's not only about expressing gratitude but also about accessing divine blessings, strengthening our relationship with God, and aligning our hearts with His will. Thanksgiving brings God's presence into our lives and has numerous spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits. When we thank God, we recognise His goodness and faithfulness, lifting our focus from ourselves to the One who is the source of all blessings. This sermon will explore the benefits of thanksgiving and how it enriches our lives as believers.

1. THANKSGIVING INVITES GOD’S PRESENCE

a) Entering God's Courts with Praise
Thanksgiving is our entrance into God’s presence, a direct line to connect with Him intimately (Psalm 100:4).

b) Creates an Atmosphere of Worship
Thanksgiving turns our hearts into a place of worship, inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell within us (Psalm 22:3).

c) Bringing Heaven's Peace on Earth
When we give thanks, we release God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, into our hearts (Philippians 4:6-7).

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Thanksgiving sets the stage for encounters with God, drawing Him closer to us (Psalm 95:2).

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in Prison – Despite being in chains, their songs of thanksgiving brought God’s presence, resulting in an earthquake and freedom (Acts 16:25-26).

2. THANKSGIVING BRINGS JOY AND STRENGTH

a) Cultivates Inner Joy
Thanksgiving reminds us of God’s goodness, filling us with joy, even in difficult situations (Psalm 28:7).

b) Renewed Strength for the Journey
Joy from thanksgiving strengthens us to face life's challenges and renews our energy (Nehemiah 8:10).

c) Lifts Us Above Discouragement
Thanksgiving replaces worry with joy, helping us rise above trials (Isaiah 61:3).

d) Thanksgiving as a Testimony of Faith
Our gratitude in hard times testifies to our faith in God’s goodness and power (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

Biblical Example: David in the Wilderness – David's thanksgiving to God lifted his spirit and gave him courage despite being pursued by enemies (Psalm 63:1-4).

3. THANKSGIVING RELEASES BLESSINGS

a) Unlocking God's Favour
Thanksgiving attracts God’s favour and blessings into our lives as it expresses our trust in Him (Psalm 67:5-7).

b) Brings Divine Provision
When we thank God for what we have, He multiplies it, just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes (John 6:11).

c) Strengthens Our Faith
Gratitude affirms our belief in God’s provision, paving the way for blessings (James 1:17).

d) Thanksgiving as a Key to Breakthroughs
Gratitude shifts our focus from lack to abundance, positioning us for miracles (Psalm 136:1).

Biblical Example: The Feeding of the Five Thousand – Jesus gave thanks before the miracle of provision, and it led to the multiplication of food (John 6:11-13).

4. THANKSGIVING PROTECTS AGAINST SPIRITUAL ATTACKS

a) Acts as a Shield
Thanksgiving builds a spiritual barrier around us, making it harder for negativity to affect us (Psalm 91:1-2).

b) Renews the Mind in Christ
Thanksgiving reorients our thoughts, protecting us from the enemy’s lies (Romans 12:2).

c) Brings Contentment and Peace
Gratitude helps us find contentment, which guards against envy and greed (1 Timothy 6:6).

d) Confounds the Enemy
Thankfulness confuses the enemy, making it difficult for him to disrupt our peace (Psalm 149:6-9).

Biblical Example: Job’s Thanksgiving – Even after losing everything, Job’s refusal to curse God protected his faith, and God ultimately restored him (Job 1:20-22, Job 42:10).

5. THANKSGIVING DEEPENS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

a) Acknowledges God as Our Source
Gratitude keeps us humble, reminding us that all we have is from God (1 Corinthians 4:7).

b) Expresses Love and Reverence
Thanksgiving is an act of worship that draws us closer to God’s heart (Psalm 95:2).

c) Opens Us to Hear God's Voice
A grateful heart is sensitive to God’s voice, guiding us into His will (Psalm 32:8).

d) Builds a Life of Faith and Trust
Thanksgiving strengthens our reliance on God and builds a firm foundation of faith (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Biblical Example: Hannah’s Thanksgiving – After God blessed her with Samuel, she dedicated him to God, showing gratitude and a deepening relationship with her Creator (1 Samuel 1:24-28).

CONCLUSION:
Thanksgiving is not just a response to blessings but a powerful spiritual practice that brings benefits in every area of life. It invites God's presence, brings joy and strength, releases blessings, protects us from spiritual attacks, and deepens our relationship with God. As believers, cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude opens the door to divine favour, peace, and strength. Let us make thanksgiving a constant part of our lives, not only during good times but also in challenging moments, knowing that God is faithful and deserving of all our praise.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, give me a heart of gratitude in all circumstances.

2. Lord, may my thanksgiving invite Your presence into every area of my life.

3. Father, renew my joy and strength through a grateful heart.

4. Lord, open my eyes to see Your blessings in my life.

5. Father, protect me from negativity through a heart of thanksgiving.

6. Lord, deepen my relationship with You through continual praise.

7. Father, let thanksgiving be a shield around me against all spiritual attacks.

8. Lord, release blessings into my life as I lift up Your name.

9. Father, let my gratitude confound every work of the enemy.

10. Lord, may I always acknowledge You as the source of every good thing in my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will experience the fullness of God’s presence as you cultivate a heart of thanksgiving.

2. Your gratitude will bring unexplainable joy and strength into your life.

3. Divine blessings will overflow as you continually thank God.

4. Every negative situation will turn around through the power of thanksgiving.

5. The Lord will be your shield and protection as you lift Him in gratitude.

6. Thanksgiving will deepen your relationship with God and open doors of favour.

7. You will witness breakthroughs as you thank God for His faithfulness.

8. The enemy’s plans against you will be frustrated by your worship and praise.

9. God’s peace will reign in your heart as you focus on His goodness.

10. Your life will reflect the blessings of God as you continually give Him thanks.