Thankful Heart (Part 1 of 3)

It’s hard to be thankful for something you don’t remember. It takes effort to remember. That’s why Scripture says to “forget not all His benefits” (Ps. 103:2, NKJV, emphasis mine). Even if we have a lot to be thankful for, and even if we’re getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving—one of America’s biggest holidays—it’s easy to lose sight that all good things come from God.

Here is a verse that goes along with that idea:

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.James 1:17, NKJV

This is awesome! God never changes. That means He will always give us good things!

But if we are not ones who forget what God has done, something else we should watch out for is pride. If we’re focused on self, that will get in the way of acknowledging and thanking God. Check this verse out:

What do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?1 Corinthians 4:7b, NKJV 

Thankfulness takes humbling oneself. Second Timothy 3 says that humility in the last days will be in short supply. In times past, I never would have said it was a pride issue when I didn’t feel like thanking God. My position was one where I thought God hadn’t been good enough to me. I’d offer up half-hearted praise. But for me, holding back my thankfulness was pride. I’m learning to “give unto the Lord the glory due to His name” (Ps. 29:2, NKJV). That means doing it when I feel like it and when I don’t.

Finally, fear can keep us from being thankful. Have you ever thought you would look silly to others if you really expressed thanks to God? If so, that’s the fear of man. Ask yourself: “What’s so funny about being thankful for all the wonderful things God has done in my life?” Think about the following verse:

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.Psalm 33:1, NKJV

I like that. Praise is beautiful! I also like this verse:

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.Psalm 92:1a, King James Version 

Praise is good! There’s an old hymn called “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow.” Here are the lyrics:

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;Praise Him, all creatures here below;Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

It’s a simple song, really. But today, perhaps more than ever, these are words that ought to be on our lips and spring from our hearts.

Remember what God has done in your life. Humble yourself and thank Him. It’s a beautiful thing!

Let's Talk about Thankfulness - Andrew Wommack Ministries

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