Certainly, there are many reasons why we should give thanks, and I want to look at three of them. Giving of thanks make us recognize that we are not self-sufficient, it makes us appreciate what we have, and it is the key to the presence of God. Remember, giving of thanks is a reaction or a response to an act of kindness that one has received.

          First, giving of thanks makes us to recognize that we are not self-sufficient. We are sinners, and we cannot redeem ourselves from our sinful fallen nature or save ourselves from Satan’s evil power.  A grateful soul recognizes this fact, and humbly cries out to a power that is higher than himself. In Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I”.  When we call for help it becomes clear to us that we neither have the capacity nor the ability in and of ourselves to meet all our needs. “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears”. Giving of thanks is the BEST response we can express to God for all He is and does in our lives every day. Indeed, “without Him we can do nothing”. On the other hand, failure to give thanks is a sign of arrogance, because one refuses to admit his helpless state and his need for God. Thus, ingratitude is arrogance.

          Secondly, giving thanks make us appreciate what we have. Giving thanks is the first step to success and greatness. You have life, and you must be thankful for it. But if you think that having life is nothing then consider those who have lost that privilege and their bodies lay in the morgue. You have health, and however, poor your health might be, you know that it could have been worse. In the same way we should give thanks for the station in life we find ourselves. This is not to suggest that one should not desire a better living. Instead, giving thanks enable us to submit to God’s sovereignty and bring His power to bear on what we cannot do.  The Lord Jesus had 5,000 men to feed, but all he had was 5 loaves and two fishes. Faced with that challenge the first thing He did was to give thanks, and then a miracle took place.  

          Thirdly, giving thanks is the key to the presence of God. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Ps. 100:4-5 . God delights in a grateful heart. Giving thanks regardless of our situation takes the attention away from the situation and ourselves. Rather, it makes us to focus on God alone. “In everything give thanks”.  Giving thanks show our faith and confidence in God’s ability to do that which we desire of Him.

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