THANK YOU, LORD
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
We have come to the end of another year. God has seen us through all the challenges we faced in 2019. The bible says in :
1 Thessalonians 5: 18 that
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
According to the verse above, God expects us to thank him at all times. Not only in good times but in bad times as well. In bad times we thank Him in anticipation that He will see us through the bad times. I believe we are grateful to God for all the things He has done for us. How do we offer thanks to God :
- Through praise and worship (2 Chronicles 5:13 & Psalm 100:4)
- Through prayers of thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Through giving thanks offerings at church (Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:10)
- Through blessing others with gifts (Proverbs 28:27, Luke 6:38)
- By dedicating our lives to the service of God (Romans 12:1)
Through Praise and Worship
2Chronicles 5:13
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, for He is good ; and His mercy endureth forever….
Psalm 100: 4
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
As we think of all that God has done for us in 2019, we can sing songs of praise and thanksgiving. It could be local choruses, hymns and other contemporary gospel songs by local and foreign artists. This “praise mood” could begin now until the end of the year. At the end of each day, praise God for what He has done and will continue to do. The climax of this “praise mood” could be December 31, 2019. You could go for a “watch night” service and round everything up.
Through prayers of thanksgiving
Philippians 4: 6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
These two verses encourage us to offer prayers of thanksgiving unto God. It says we should not fret or worry about the challenging situations we face. In spite of our circumstances, we should thank God. Spend some quiet time in the presence of God from now till the end of the year and think about the blessings God has bestowed upon you and the many breakthroughs he has given you. You can list some of these things to help you thank God well.
You could also fast (6.00 am to 12.00 noon ) or (6.00 am to 6.00 pm). Any of them a half-day or full-day fast can be used to pray and thank God. Choose a day in December before 31st watch night service.
Through giving thanks offerings at Church
Proverbs 3: 9-10
Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase : so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Malachi 3: 10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out blessings, that there shall be no room to receive it.
According to these two passages from the bible, giving your substance or money to God to promote His work here on earth brings God’s blessings your way. As you give to God through the church and other Christian organizations to show your gratitude to God, He blesses you more.
Remember to add your tithe and thanks offerings to your budget for Christmas. As a student, mum and dad would give you some money for your shopping. Just put a little aside, to give as a thanks offering. It does not have to be a very big amount; it is only a token of your appreciation.
Through blessing others with gifts
Proverbs 28: 27
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you give, it shall be measured to you again.
The two verses encourage us to give to the poor and anyone that we can give to. Giving invokes blessings from God. Keeping all you have to yourself has no benefits. You may be wondering how young people can give when they are not earning any income. The youth receive pocket from their parents and gifts from older family members – uncles and aunties, grandparents, etc. They also receive food and other provisions for school.
You can cultivate the habit of giving by sharing these gifts mentioned with your friends, especially those in need or those who do not have much. Do not waste any opportunity to give or bless others whenever you can.
By dedicating our lives to the service of God
Romans 12; 1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice unto God, which is your reasonable service.
How do you present yourself as a living sacrifice to God? You can do this by dedicating your life to the service of God. Serving God involves depriving yourself of certain pleasures in life, like going out to preach the gospel instead of taking an afternoon on a Saturday or Sunday. Or putting aside some of your pocket money to help a friend who needs it. You could also decide to watch fewer movies or cut the time you engage yourself in social media chats, so you can study the bible and pray and be a good ambassador for Christ.
See every friendship or relation with your peers as an opportunity to share the word of God with them.
Conclusion
These are a few ways you can thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed on your life.
Reflect on the words in this song:
How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me,
Things so undeserving, yet you gave to prove your love for me,
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude,
All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to You.
To God be the glory,
For the things, He has done,
With His blood, He has saved me,
With His power, He has raised me,
To God be the glory, for the things He has DONE.
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