Thanksgiving

What if the Bible didn't tell us to give thanks and be thankful?

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Would we do it?

Would we do it from our spiritual heart because there's a desire, a passion, for thanksgiving?

Have you ever been in places or situations where giving of thanks was NOT from the heart?

Some people don't even try to pretend that they're thankful.

Saying "Thank you" doesn't seem to come easy for them.

There are others, maybe we've all done it, who don't feel like giving thanks but they do it even though they know that it's not real to them.

Perhaps we could consider reasons to be thankful.

God will strengthen you with His own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient. And you will joyfully give thanks to the Father Who has made you able to have a share in all that He has prepared for His people in the kingdom of light. God has freed us from the power of darkness, and He brought us into the kingdom of His dear Son. [Jesus] The Son paid for our sins, and in Him we have forgiveness. Colossians 1:11-14

People who sacrifice for us and others can be thanked, too.

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my [Paul's] helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles [non-Jews]. Romans 16:3-4

Sometimes just someone coming near to us can be an encouragement and a reason to give thanks.

The believers in Rome heard that we were there and came out as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God. Acts 28:15

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good: For his mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1

In the middle of the night, I get up to thank You because Your laws are right. Psalm 119:62

He [Lord] will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will cause many to give thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11

Here's a thought --

To say, "Thank you" is usually appreciated by all.

Your thoughts?

R. Jason