THE BLESSINGS OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE

THE BLESSINGS OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 16:7-36

Supporting Texts: Psalm 100:4, Psalm 103:1-5, Philippians 4:6, Hebrews 13:15, Luke 17:11-19

INTRODUCTION:
Thanksgiving and praise are not occasional religious practices but essential elements of a believer’s relationship with God. When David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he appointed Levites to offer continuous praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord. This reveals how central gratitude and worship are to our walk with God.

Gratitude has the power to change our perspective, shift atmospheres, and attract divine intervention. The more we cultivate a thankful heart, the more we position ourselves to experience the blessings of God in deeper and greater ways.

A lifestyle of thanksgiving and praise creates an environment where God’s presence dwells. It honours Him, strengthens our faith, and opens the door to supernatural blessings, breakthroughs, and peace.

1. THANKSGIVING INVITES GOD’S PRESENCE

a) God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3)
When we give thanks and praise, we create a spiritual atmosphere where God dwells in power and glory.

b) Praise attracts the divine presence (2 Chronicles 5:13–14)
The presence of God was so strong during the dedication of the temple that the priests could not stand to minister.

c) A grateful heart opens the door to communion with God (Psalm 100:4)
Entering God’s gates with thanksgiving gives us access to His courts where we can fellowship and receive divine help.

d) Praise brings us into deeper spiritual intimacy (Psalm 95:1–2)
Thanksgiving is not just an act of appreciation, but a gateway to intimacy with God through joyful expressions of reverence.

Biblical Example: When Paul and Silas praised God in prison, the foundations of the prison were shaken, and divine presence led to their miraculous release (Acts 16:25-26).

2. THANKSGIVING RELEASES SUPERNATURAL BLESSINGS

a) Gratitude unlocks increase and multiplication (John 6:11-13)
Jesus gave thanks for the five loaves and two fishes, and it was multiplied to feed thousands.

b) A thankful spirit is a magnet for miracles (Luke 17:15-19)
The one leper who returned to give thanks received wholeness, not just healing.

c) Giving thanks shows faith and trust in God’s power (Philippians 4:6-7)
When we present our requests with thanksgiving, we receive peace and God’s answer.

d) Thanksgiving brings divine favour and open doors (Psalm 67:5-7)
Praising God leads to increase, harvest, and divine favour on the earth.

Biblical Example: Solomon offered sacrifices with thanksgiving, and God responded by granting him wisdom, peace, and wealth (1 Kings 3:4-13).

3. THANKSGIVING PROTECTS AGAINST SPIRITUAL PRIDE AND FORGETFULNESS

a) Gratitude reminds us of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 103:1-5)
By remembering His benefits, we remain humble and anchored in God’s mercy.

b) Giving thanks shifts the focus from self to God (Deuteronomy 8:10-14)
It keeps us from pride and the false belief that our efforts alone brought success.

c) Thanksgiving preserves spiritual sensitivity (Romans 1:21)
When people cease to be thankful, they lose spiritual understanding and become darkened in heart.

d) It aligns our hearts with God’s will and purpose (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Giving thanks in all things keeps us within the centre of God’s purpose, even during challenges.

Biblical Example: King Nebuchadnezzar lost everything when pride replaced gratitude, but restoration came when he acknowledged and praised God (Daniel 4:34-37).

4. THANKSGIVING BUILDS FAITH FOR FUTURE VICTORIES

a) Reflecting on past blessings fuels present faith (1 Samuel 17:37)
David’s remembrance of God's past help with the lion and bear gave him confidence to face Goliath.

b) Thanksgiving is a declaration of confidence in God (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
Even in lack, praising God reflects trust in His ultimate provision and victory.

c) Gratitude creates a positive spiritual posture (Colossians 2:6–7)
Being rooted in thanksgiving keeps us stable and growing in faith.

d) It sustains hope in times of waiting (Romans 4:20-21)
Abraham did not stagger in unbelief but gave glory to God while waiting for the fulfilment of the promise.

Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise God before the army, and their praise led to divine ambush against their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

5. THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE BRING SPIRITUAL VICTORY AND JOY

a) Praise is a weapon of spiritual warfare (Psalm 149:6-9)
Through praise, we execute judgement on the enemy and claim spiritual victory.

b) Thanksgiving strengthens joy and gladness (Isaiah 12:3-5)
A heart of praise draws from the wells of salvation with joy.

c) It brings healing to the soul and body (Proverbs 17:22)
A joyful and thankful heart promotes spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.

d) Praise leads to divine intervention and breakthroughs (Psalm 50:14-15)
God responds to those who honour Him with thanksgiving and calls on Him in trouble.

Biblical Example: When David danced and praised God as the Ark was returned, God established his kingship and legacy (2 Samuel 6:14-22).

CONCLUSION:
Thanksgiving and praise are powerful tools for cultivating God's presence, releasing blessings, preserving humility, strengthening faith, and winning spiritual battles. When we consistently express gratitude, we remain connected to the Source of all goodness and power.

We must move beyond seasonal thanksgiving to developing a lifestyle of praise. In doing so, we will continually enjoy the presence, provisions, and power of God in every area of our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart that will praise You continually in all circumstances.
2. Father, let Your presence dwell in my life through thanksgiving and worship.
3. I receive the grace to remain grateful, even in the face of challenges.
4. Lord, let every prison in my life be shaken by the power of praise.
5. Father, multiply the little I have through the power of thanksgiving.
6. Let thanksgiving open the gates of increase, favour, and divine turnaround in my life.
7. Help me never to forget Your benefits or take Your goodness for granted.
8. Lord, teach me to praise You even in waiting seasons.
9. Father, let praise be my weapon for every battle I face.
10. I receive healing, joy, and restoration through the power of thanksgiving and praise.