GIVING THANKS ALWAYS

GIVING THANKS ALWAYS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:18-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Key Verse: “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Psalm 34:1; Psalm 103:1-5; Daniel 6:10; Luke 17:11-19; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Description: This message teaches believers to cultivate a lifestyle of continual thanksgiving, recognising God's goodness in every season and giving Him glory through Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Thanksgiving is a vital expression of the Christian life. It acknowledges that God is the source of our salvation, strength, provision and hope. Every breath we take, every day we live and every opportunity we receive reminds us of God's mercy. Yet, it is possible to enjoy God's blessings and become so occupied with our needs that we forget to thank Him. The Bible therefore calls believers to cultivate a grateful heart rather than offer thanks only when something extraordinary happens.

In Ephesians 5:18-20, the Apostle Paul describes the life of a believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit. Such a life is expressed through spiritual songs, worship, thanksgiving and reverence for Christ. Paul says that we should give thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving is therefore more than good manners; it is a spiritual attitude that recognises God's sovereignty, remembers His faithfulness and honours His grace.

Giving thanks always does not mean that every experience is pleasant or that believers should call evil good. Rather, it means that we continue to acknowledge God's goodness even when circumstances are painful or confusing. We can thank Him for His presence, His promises, His sustaining grace and the hope we have in Christ. A grateful heart does not deny life's difficulties; it refuses to let those difficulties erase the remembrance of God's faithfulness.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF GIVING THANKS ALWAYS

To give thanks is to express gratitude and acknowledge the goodness, kindness and faithfulness of another. Christian thanksgiving is directed primarily towards God because we recognise Him as our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and Father. We do not thank Him merely because life is comfortable; we thank Him because He remains worthy of our worship.

The word always in Ephesians 5:20 challenges us to develop a consistent attitude of gratitude. Thanksgiving should not be restricted to Sunday services, testimonies, birthdays, promotions or answered prayers. It should become part of our daily relationship with God.

a) Thanksgiving Is the Recognition of God's Goodness (Psalm 107:1)

The psalmist declares that the Lord is good and that His mercy endures for ever. Thanksgiving begins when we recognise God's goodness and acknowledge that His mercy has sustained us.

Many people concentrate on what they do not have and overlook the blessings already present in their lives. We may be waiting for a new opportunity while forgetting the opportunities God has already given us. Gratitude helps us recognise His goodness in both ordinary and extraordinary experiences.

Practical Application: Each day, identify specific reasons to thank God. Remember His mercy, provision, protection, salvation and the people He has used to bless your life.

b) Thanksgiving Is an Act of Faith (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Habakkuk described a season in which the fig tree did not blossom, the fields produced no food and the flocks disappeared. Nevertheless, he declared that he would rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of his salvation.

His response demonstrates that faith can remain active even when circumstances are unfavourable. Thanksgiving does not require us to pretend that everything is well. It allows us to acknowledge difficulties while maintaining confidence in God's character and salvation.

Practical Application: When facing uncertainty, tell God honestly what troubles you, then thank Him for His presence, His promises and the grace He gives you to continue.

c) Thanksgiving Should Be Continual (Psalm 34:1)

David declared, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This is a commitment to honour God in every season, not only when life is easy.

There will be days of celebration and days of sorrow, seasons of abundance and seasons of waiting. Continual thanksgiving means that our relationship with God remains steady even when our experiences change.

Practical Application: Make thanksgiving part of your daily routine. Begin the day by acknowledging God's goodness and end it by remembering His help.

d) Thanksgiving Is Offered Through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20)

Paul teaches that thanksgiving is offered unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is central to our relationship with God. Through His death and resurrection, believers receive forgiveness, reconciliation and access to the Father.

Our greatest reason for thanksgiving is therefore not material prosperity but the salvation and eternal hope we have through Christ. Even when material circumstances are uncertain, the believer can rejoice in the grace of God revealed through Jesus.

Practical Application: Make the finished work of Christ central to your thanksgiving. Thank God regularly for salvation, forgiveness, the gift of the Holy Spirit and the hope of eternal life.

Biblical Example: David's Thanksgiving (Psalm 103:1-5)

David called upon his soul to bless the Lord and not forget His benefits. He remembered God's forgiveness, healing, redemption, lovingkindness and provision. His example teaches us that thanksgiving becomes stronger when we deliberately remember what God has done.

2. WHY WE MUST GIVE THANKS ALWAYS

God deserves thanksgiving because of His nature and His works. Gratitude keeps our attention on His faithfulness and helps us recognise that our lives depend on His grace. It also protects us from the pride that assumes our achievements are entirely the result of our own strength.

Thanksgiving is not a payment we make to persuade God to bless us. It is a response of love and faith to the goodness He has already shown us. As believers, we give thanks because He is worthy and because His grace sustains us.

a) Because God Is Good and His Mercy Endures (Psalm 136:1)

The psalmist repeatedly declares that God's mercy endures for ever. His goodness is not limited to one moment or one generation. His character remains faithful even when human circumstances change.

When we understand God's enduring mercy, we learn not to measure His goodness solely by our present situation. A delay does not mean that God has ceased to be good, and a difficult season does not erase His faithfulness.

Practical Application: When you feel discouraged, meditate on God's character. Thank Him for His enduring mercy rather than allowing temporary difficulties to define your understanding of Him.

b) Because God Sustains Our Lives (Acts 17:24-28)

Paul explains that God gives life, breath and all things. Our abilities, opportunities and daily strength depend upon His sustaining grace. Even the ordinary activities we take for granted are reasons to acknowledge His goodness.

Recognising God's sustaining hand should produce humility. We can work diligently, plan wisely and use our gifts responsibly while acknowledging that life itself is a gift from God.

Practical Application: Thank God for life, health, strength, opportunities and daily provision. Use what He has entrusted to you responsibly and generously.

c) Because Thanksgiving Helps Guard Our Hearts (Philippians 4:6-7)

Paul instructs believers not to be anxious about anything but to bring their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. He then describes the peace of God that guards the hearts and minds of believers in Christ Jesus.

Thanksgiving redirects our attention from our concerns alone to God's presence and faithfulness. It does not mean that every problem disappears immediately, but it helps us bring our worries before God instead of carrying them in isolation.

Practical Application: Whenever anxiety arises, turn your concerns into prayer. Tell God what you need, remember His past faithfulness and thank Him while you wait for His guidance.

d) Because Thanksgiving Glorifies God (Psalm 50:23)

God declares that whoever offers praise glorifies Him. Thanksgiving publicly acknowledges that God deserves honour for His goodness and mighty works.

When we share genuine testimonies, express gratitude in prayer and live with thankful hearts, we direct attention towards the Lord. We should never use testimonies to boast about ourselves but to acknowledge God's grace.

Practical Application: Give God the glory for your progress and achievements. Share testimonies truthfully, acknowledge the help of others and remain humble in success.

Biblical Example: The Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks. Jesus asked where the other nine were. The returning man recognised the mercy he had received and glorified God. This account warns us against receiving blessings without expressing gratitude.

3. GIVING THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE

One of the greatest tests of Christian gratitude is the ability to give thanks when life does not unfold as expected. It is easy to celebrate when prayers are answered quickly, resources are abundant and relationships are peaceful. However, mature faith learns to remain thankful even during waiting, grief and uncertainty.

First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” The command is to give thanks in every circumstance, not to pretend that every circumstance is good. God can sustain us through painful experiences without asking us to deny the reality of our suffering.

a) Give Thanks in Times of Abundance (Deuteronomy 8:10-18)

Moses warned Israel not to forget the Lord when they entered a land of abundance. Prosperity can tempt people to become self-sufficient and imagine that their success is entirely the result of their own strength.

The right response to abundance is gratitude, humility and generosity. When God blesses us, we should remember Him, obey His Word and use our resources to serve others.

Practical Application: When you receive a promotion, financial increase, a new opportunity or an answered prayer, thank God sincerely. Avoid pride and look for ways to bless others.

b) Give Thanks During Seasons of Waiting (Psalm 27:13-14)

David expressed confidence that he would see the goodness of the Lord and encouraged God's people to wait upon Him with courage. Waiting can be difficult, especially when the answer to prayer appears delayed.

Nevertheless, waiting seasons can become opportunities to grow in patience, deepen our fellowship with God and learn to trust His wisdom. We can thank Him for sustaining us while continuing to pray and act responsibly.

Practical Application: While waiting for an answer, remain faithful in prayer, obedience and service. Thank God for the strength He gives you today, even as you trust Him for tomorrow.

c) Give Thanks During Trials (James 1:2-4)

James teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because the testing of faith produces perseverance. This does not mean that pain itself is pleasant or that Christians should seek suffering. It means God can use trials to develop endurance and spiritual maturity.

In difficult seasons, thanksgiving reminds us that our circumstances are not the whole story. God can sustain our faith and help us grow even when we do not yet understand what He is doing.

Practical Application: When you face trials, ask God for wisdom and strength. Thank Him for His presence and seek the support of mature believers rather than facing hardship alone.

d) Give Thanks While Facing Opposition (Daniel 6:10)

When Daniel learned that a decree prohibited prayer to anyone except the king, he continued his established practice of praying to God. The Bible records that he gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Daniel's thanksgiving was not dependent on a comfortable environment. His devotion remained steady even when obedience to God placed him at risk. His example demonstrates the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with the Lord under pressure.

Practical Application: Do not abandon your spiritual disciplines because of opposition. Continue to pray, worship, obey God's Word and give thanks with courage and wisdom.

Biblical Example: Habakkuk's Declaration of Faith (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Habakkuk imagined the failure of crops and the absence of food, yet he chose to rejoice in the God of his salvation. His declaration shows that biblical thanksgiving can coexist with genuine need. His hope rested in the Lord rather than in the abundance of his circumstances.

4. HOW TO CULTIVATE A LIFESTYLE OF THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving becomes a lifestyle when it is practised intentionally. We should not wait for special occasions before remembering God's goodness. Gratitude grows as we meditate on Scripture, remember answered prayers, acknowledge daily mercies and develop habits of praise.

A thankful heart does not mean that we never ask questions, express grief or seek change. Rather, it means that we approach God with honesty and trust, remembering that His goodness remains worthy of acknowledgement.

a) Remember God's Benefits (Psalm 103:2)

David commanded his soul not to forget God's benefits. Forgetfulness can cause us to focus on present needs while overlooking the many ways God has helped us in the past.

Remembering answered prayers and past deliverances strengthens our confidence as we face new challenges. It also helps us recognise the people and opportunities God has used to support us.

Practical Application: Keep a record of answered prayers, testimonies and important lessons from your walk with God. Review it regularly and use it as a reason for thanksgiving.

b) Make Thanksgiving Part of Your Prayer Life (Colossians 4:2)

Paul instructs believers to continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving. This teaches us that gratitude should accompany our requests and intercession.

Prayer can become dominated by needs if we never pause to acknowledge what God has already done. Thanksgiving gives balance to our prayer life and reminds us that we approach a faithful Father.

Practical Application: Begin or end your prayer time by thanking God for specific blessings. Include gratitude alongside your requests for family, ministry, work and personal needs.

c) Sing Praises to God (Psalm 147:1)

The psalmist declares that it is good to sing praises to God because praise is pleasant and fitting. Songs of thanksgiving help us express gratitude and remember the truth of God's Word.

Singing can be practised privately or with other believers. The important thing is that our songs honour God and reflect sincere gratitude rather than becoming empty repetition.

Practical Application: Include songs of thanksgiving in your daily devotion and congregational worship. Choose songs whose words remind you of God's goodness and faithfulness.

d) Express Gratitude Through Generosity and Service (Hebrews 13:15-16)

Hebrews encourages believers to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually and not to forget doing good and sharing with others. This connects worship with practical expressions of love.

A thankful heart recognises that what we have received from God should influence how we treat people. Gratitude becomes visible through generosity, compassion, forgiveness and faithful service.

Practical Application: Show gratitude by helping someone in need, appreciating those who serve you and using your gifts to strengthen your family, church and community.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan Who Returned (Luke 17:15-19)

One of the ten lepers healed by Jesus returned, glorifying God and giving thanks at His feet. His response demonstrated that he recognised the significance of the mercy he had received. His example teaches us not to rush from God's blessings into our next pursuit without pausing to acknowledge His goodness.

CONCLUSION

Giving thanks always is a vital expression of a Spirit-filled Christian life. It reminds us that God is good, His mercy endures and our salvation is secured through Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving should not be limited to seasons of abundance or answered prayers; it should remain part of our response to God in waiting, sorrow, uncertainty and joy. We do not give thanks because every experience is pleasant, but because God remains faithful and worthy of our trust.

Make gratitude a daily habit. Remember God's benefits, include thanksgiving in your prayers, sing praises to Him and express gratitude through generous and godly living. When challenges arise, bring your concerns honestly before the Lord while continuing to acknowledge His goodness. May your heart never become so occupied with what you are waiting for that you forget what God has already done. Let your life continually glorify the Father through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a grateful heart in every season, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from the sin of ingratitude, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me remember Your benefits daily, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, strengthen my faith while I wait for Your answers, in Jesus name.

5. Father, teach me to thank You even in difficult times, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let Your peace guard my heart and mind, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me give You all the glory for my blessings, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make me generous and compassionate towards others, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let thanksgiving continually fill my home and church, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make my life a testimony of Your goodness, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall grow in gratitude and recognise God's goodness in every season.

2. You shall not forget the mercy and faithfulness of the Lord.

3. Your heart shall remain steadfast in God during seasons of waiting.

4. You shall receive grace to remain thankful through life's challenges.

5. The peace of God shall guard your heart as you bring your concerns before Him.

6. You shall use your blessings to glorify God and serve others.

7. Your home shall grow in thanksgiving, peace and godly fellowship.

8. You shall overcome the temptation to complain and cultivate a heart of praise.

9. Your life shall testify to God's mercy, provision and sustaining grace.

10. You shall continually glorify God the Father through Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.