21 Reasons to be Thankful

Thanksgiving is the first step in approaching the presence of God. Psalms 100:4 tells us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving.”  Thanksgiving is not only important, but it is essential in the life of every believer.

Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He gave thanks to the Father (John 11:41). Before He multiplied the loaves and fish, He gave thanks (Mark 8:6).  How much more should we thank the Father?

At the Tabernacle of David, Levites were appointed to celebrate and thank God continuously every day for 24 hours per day (1 Chronicles 16:4).

The difference between healing and wholeness in the life of the leper was thanksgiving (Luke 17: 15-19).

It is God’s will that you thank Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  Thanksgiving should always accompany your prayers and requests to God (Philippians 4:6). Our prayer is that God’s “will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

You were handpicked by God. You were created for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11). There is much for which you can give Him thanks.

Here are 21 reasons to be thankful:

For life. You are not dead (Psalm 30: 3 – 4).

For health.  You are not sick (Psalm 107: 20 – 22).

For home.  You are not homeless (Psalm 112:3).

For food and provision. You are not starving (Psalm 34:10; 103:5).

For freedom.  You are not in prison (John 8:36; Psalm 146:7).

For clothing.  You are not naked (Matthew 6:30).

For transportation.  You are not trekking (1 Timothy 6:17).

For victory. You were not destroyed (Psalm 41:11).

For safety.  God protected you from accidents (Psalm 91:1- 12; 127:7, 8).

For income.  You are not jobless (Deuteronomy 30:8a).

For friends and mentors.  You are not forsaken (Proverbs 17:7; 18:24; John 15:15).

For freedom of the gospel. You are not lost or in religious trouble (Matthew 10:8b).

For your body.  You are not on life-support system (Psalm 139:14).

For family. You are not alone (Psalm 68:6).

For parents. You are not an invention or a thing; you are priceless (Psalm 22:9 – 10; 71: 6-8).

For hope.  You are not hopeless (Psalm 16:8; 71:14).

For gifts and talents. You are not empty (Ephesians 4:8).

For love and loved ones. You are not hated and rejected (Ephesians 1:6;  I John 3: 1a).

For favor.  You are not cat down and oppressed (Psalm 5:12; 89:17).

For the Word. You are not in spiritual darkness (Psalm 119:59, 105; 138: 1 -2).

For the Trinity.  You are not serving a dead God but the Living God (Psalm 42: 1 – 2; 84:1).

Spend today giving thanks to God for all He has done for you and your loved ones.