What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a public acknowledgement or celebration of God’s goodness. Scientific research has shown that grateful people enjoy life more and are healthier. A broken spirit dries the bone. There is a correlation between gratitude and good health.

Why Do I Need to Thank God?

1. Because God commands it – 1Thess 5:16-18, Mal 2:1-2. If we do not lay it to heart to thank God, He can curse our blessings. God forbid!.
2. It is what happened that we know, what could have happened is what God prevented. God did not design gratitude for only when things are good – Rm 4:20. When we are able to thank God in the midst of the challenge, God turns the situation around. Ps 100: 4. We are barred from entering his gates without thanksgiving. If we have a picture of murmuring in our hearts, we have closed heaven already despite our singing or dancing. Praise originates from the heart. Some people would not want to share their testimonies. A testimony shared is a testimony confirmed and perfected! If you know how to think, you will know how to thank God. 
3. What should I be thankful to God for? According to Ps 103:105 – For forgiving our sins, healing our diseases, and redeeming our lives from destruction, he crowned us with tender mercies and loving kindness and satisfies our mouths with good things.

Benefits of Thanksgiving 

1. Multiplication – John 6:11. Whatever we thank God for multiplies. 5loaves and 2 fishes were multiplied after thanksgiving
2. Miracles – John 11: 41-44. Jesus thanked God and a miracle happened that brought Lazarus back to life.
3. Perfection – Lk 17:11-19. The one leper that returned to give thanks was made whole and perfected. 
4. Preservation of the blessing – Mal 2:1
5. Deliverance from trouble – Ps 50: 14-15. When we offer thanksgiving and pay our vows, God will deliver us.
6. Divine Presence – 2 Chron 5:11-17. The people praise God after the completion of the temple and the presence of God descended that the priests could not go in because the house was filled with the cloud by reason of the glory of God.

How Do I Offer Thanks

1. Through testimonies – Ps 119: 46. Testimonies are making your boast in the Lord. How many of us can speak to our friends in the office?
2. Bring a worthy offering to the Lord – Jer 33:11. God still rejects offering as in the days of Cain. Bring a worthy offering to the Lord.
3. Thank God in a dance – Ps 149:3-4. Some feel too big to thank before the Lord.
4. By praising Him from our hearts. Let our hearts and our words and dance say the same thing – Col 3: 15-17