Often, the challenge with some people is not really the devil, powers of darkness, or any enemy, but themselves – their neglect of salient but vital factor of life (SOS 2:15; Jms. 3:3-5). Thanksgiving is one of such factors; when neglected, it tends to lead to self-destruction (Psa. 28:5; Lk. 16:12-21).

Why Do We Give Thanks?

“Why” refers to the importance, significance, reasons, or purpose for doing a thing. When the why of a thing is not adequately understood, people will fail to give it proper attention. What are the scriptural significance of giving thanks?

1. Thanksgiving is What We Owe God.

Thanksgiving is a debt everyone who has breath owes to God (Psa. 150:6). The scripture instructs us not to owe because owing degrades believers from sons to servants (Rms. 13:8; Pro. 22:7). Therefore, we owe God thanks for every good thing in our lives as a church and individuals (Jms. 1:17; 2Ths. 2:13; Eph. 5:20).

2. We Owe God Timely Thanksgiving.

Our thanksgiving must be timely to avoid reversal of God’s blessings in our lives (Jer. 13:15-17). Thanksgiving is the trigger for God’s hand, which is behind every great thing; failure to give causes it to be withdrawn, resulting in reversal of our blessing (Psa. 28:5).

3. Thanksgiving is Gateway to Scaling New Altitudes.

Gratitude determines our altitude; the more grateful we are, the higher we rise to greater heights (Hab. 3:17-19). Those challenged by stagnation should check their level of thanksgiving.

4. Thanksgiving Guarantees Returns on Our Investments.

Thanksgiving is the fruit of our lips that makes all our investment to deliver returns (Pro. 13:2; Heb. 13:15). These include investments of time, energy, and resources in our stewardship.

5. Thanksgiving is the Mystery for Securing Our Change of Story.

Thanksgiving has the power to secure any desired change of story for anyone; giving thanks for the present, makes a person qualified for the next. Thanksgiving will move a person from: healing to wholeness (Lk. 17:17-19); dryness to flourishing (Psa. 92:1-2,10-15; Pro. 18:20); rags to riches (Psa. 66:12; Pro. 22:7; Heb. 10:38).

6. Thanksgiving Facilitates Access to Revelation.

Revelation refers to spiritual understanding of God’s word; it is believers’ access to great heights (2Cor. 12:7; Gal. 2:2). Thanksgiving brings believers into the realm of unlimited revelation (Psa. 100:4).

7. Thanksgiving Engenders Breakthrough.

Breakthrough connotes progress despite oppositions, obstacles, and limitations (Exo. 14:14-15). Giving thanks secures God’s hand that takes out obstacles to advance the destiny of an individual (Isa. 45:1-3; 54:1-3; Hab. 3:17-19).

8. Thanksgiving Invokes Supernatural Church Growth.

Church growth is vital; it is key for the life of glory of believers Jer. 30:19. Giving thanks commits God to our growth as individuals, consequently as a church Acts 2:47; Deu. 1:11.

9. Thanksgiving Secures Fulfilment of Prophecies.

Every prophetic word is ordained for fulfillment, but requires the hand of God (Isa. 14:24,27; 1Kgs. 8:15). Thanksgiving secures God’s hand for prophecy to be fulfilled (1Ths. 5:18; Heb. 10:38).

Conclusion.

Many struggling have no business with struggle, but because of their ignorance of the way out. If only such will sign-in to the lifestyle of thanksgiving and praise, their lives will take a new turn.

Salvation Prayer.

To anyone reading this who desires to give their life to Christ, pray this prayer out loud with me from your heart:

“Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you today. Forgive me my sins; wash me with your blood. I believe you died for me; on the third day you rose again that I may be justified. Right now, I believe that my sins are forgiven; I’m justified by your blood; I’m born-again; I’m saved; I’m a child of God; I’m free from the power of sin to serve the living God. Thank you, Jesus, for receiving me; thank you Jesus for restoring me; thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen!”

Prayer.

1. Father, I make the choice for the lifestyle of thanksgiving and praise; empower me by your Spirit to remain committed for life (Isa. 61:1,3).