There can be no doubt that God demands thanksgiving and delights in it. The problem, what most people fail to see, is that God deserves it. And until that fact is established we will never give God His due. We will have withheld that which we are obligated to give.
We can weigh the wickedness of the world in many ways, but perhaps the lack of thankfulness speaks the loudest. Listen to this indictment from Rom. 1:21 “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Read on in that chapter and you will see the sad result of the world’s willful rejection.
Amazingly God continues to shower the world with blessings that testifies of His goodness – “..for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matt. 5:45). The Psalmist said, “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” ( Psa. 145:9). The reason for this is stated in Rom. 2:4 “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”. To think that God thinks so lovingly of us should cause us to thank Him from the bottom of our heart. This was the grounds for Paul’s appeal to the men of Lystra. He said, “… We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.( Acts 14:15-17).That being the case, giving thanks is a universal obligation.
Here the final conclusion – “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psa. 150:6); “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.” ( Psa. 117:1). Whether you descend into the deepest darkest cavern or ascend to the highest mountain top there you will find reason for thanksgiving. Whether you are gathered around the table with your family, flat of your back in the hospital, or behind prison bars, there is something to be thankful for. God is good to all, all the time! – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
