Entering the new year of 2023 brings a mix of emotions for different individuals—some facing family challenges, others celebrating job promotions. We can thank God for 2022 by considering the following.
Amid diverse circumstances, recognizing God’s timing and purpose is crucial. Each person’s journey is unique, demonstrating the significance of gratitude in acknowledging our relationship with God.
As the year commences, contemplations about stability and life’s path arise, common to many.
Evaluating the past year’s progress can lead to both jubilation and reflection. Instead of harboring offense towards God, others, or ourselves, cultivating gratitude is a transformative approach.
The ease of discontentment often stems from unfulfilled desires, a trap that may make us doubt God’s love. Amidst this, one constant remains—God’s unwavering love.
Embracing contentment begins by awakening each day, reminding ourselves of God’s love and plan for our lives (Jeremiah 39:11). This assurance comforts us, prompting gratitude for the blessings of the past year—recognizing that even if we may not grasp all reasons, God orchestrated each circumstance.
Within the Bible, we find foundational reasons to extend our gratitude to God.
1. We thank God because it is his will for us.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Thanksgiving to God surpasses mere reception of blessings; it’s a divine request.
God’s will encompasses His desires for us, prompting gratitude for all His works, whether received or not. The Bible unfolds countless promises, underpinned by God’s unerring truth (Numbers 23:19) and his faithfulness to fulfill every word (Isaiah 38:7).
Expressing gratitude becomes an avenue to honor God, echoing the teachings of Apostle Paul. God anticipates our joyful and prayerful thanksgiving.
It’s worth noting, gratitude and frowns rarely coexist.
2. We thank God because we enjoy testifying of his good works
And on that day you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the LORD in song, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth.
Incorporating daily gratitude for our received blessings should be an integral aspect of our lives. God has orchestrated numerous positive occurrences for us.
Whether it’s the provision of shelter, sustenance, clothing, employment, or harmonious relationships, an array of God’s interventions demands acknowledgment.
Interestingly, we might not even fathom the extent of His benevolence.
While we responsibly care for our bodies and lifestyle, it’s crucial to acknowledge that divine well-being and tranquility come from Him without our exertion.
I often remind my friends and family that my experiences are under God’s purview.
A decade and a half ago, I’d be disheartened and distressed when my plans fell through. Now, I’ve grasped that if it didn’t unfold, it wasn’t within God’s will.
God anticipates our gratitude, often expressed through songs—a melodious declaration. Sharing our tales of His goodness becomes a public proclamation, allowing others to hear of His benevolence toward us.
3. We thank God because he is good.
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!
We are alive and have all we have because he is good to us.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north and from the south.
God has redeemed us because he is good. What a great reason to praise him.
The dictionary defines goodness as a noun meaning “that which is morally right; righteousness.”
However, God’s goodness exceeds his ability to be right. He is righteous, and there is no sin or darkness in him.
This unique character trait is the only reason why he emanates goodness.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
If you are wondering what to thank God for, reflect on all the good things you have. Sickness, pain, and evil came from satan.
Upon waking each morning, I express gratitude to God for the peaceful rest I’ve enjoyed. Recognizing the adversary’s ceaseless attempts to thwart God’s purposes since time began, it’s not astonishing that we remain protected, as God’s desire for us prevails.
4. We thank God because he requires it when we pray.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer is enumerated several times in the entire Bible. There is no negotiation for us to have a time of communication with God.
In this verse, Apostle Paul emphasized to the Philippian Church the importance of combining prayers with thanksgiving. Without expressing gratitude for what God has done, our prayers are incomplete.
Just as our earthly parents appreciate our gratitude and often respond with additional care, how much more with God?
His desire is to abundantly bless us in all aspects of life, yet he asks for thanksgiving before we present our needs. Although he already knows everything, he allows us to communicate our needs to him.
In return, he promises us peace when we offer thankful prayers without anxiety. Our requests for a better life may seem endless.
For instance, many desire marriage, but after the wedding, the desire for children and other family needs continue.
5. We thank God because of Jesus
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
How do we thank God?
… but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.
We thank God by honoring the name of Jesus. Everything we have and will ever have is a gift from God through the blood of Jesus on the cross. Without Him, we will be considered distant sinners unreconciled to God. But he died and took away our sins so we can become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Thank you, Jesus, for showing us unconditional love and accepting to sacrifice yourself for us.
6. We thank God because of his righteousness
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Some express gratitude to God for who he is, while others for his deeds. King David’s verses are explicit in his thanksgiving, outlining the reasons clearly.
In this particular verse, he underscores the core of his praises. Isn’t that a practice worth adopting?
Perhaps we should focus on celebrating God simply because of his unmatched greatness. Acknowledging his supreme authority and rule over our lives involves acknowledging his presence in our lives.
By now, you’ve accumulated numerous reasons to give thanks to God. We are called to offer our gratitude in both favorable and challenging times. The Bible is replete with verses for our use. Choose to thank him today, irrespective of your circumstances.
Commit to daily thanksgiving. I’ve embraced this practice and have found indescribable peace.
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