When Jesus Gave Thanks

To everyone who is thirsty, He gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, He gives good things to eat. — Psalm 107:9 CEV

Roughly half of Jesus’ public prayers in the four Gospels are prayers of thanksgiving for food. He thanked God for five loaves and two fish while feeding the five thousand. When He broke bread for the Last Supper, and when He appeared to the disciples and they fed Him, He thanked the Father. Any time He touched food in the Bible, He gave thanks. Follow the example of Jesus; recognize the Lord is our Great Provider.

How has the Lord provided for you today?

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Thanksgiving, Even Without Turkey

Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. — Psalm 50:23 NLT

Television commercials, social media, churches, stores, and more remind us of gratitude as Thanksgiving approaches. And while slicing the turkey and passing the gravy boat, we ritualistically list what we’re grateful for. After all, it’s Thanksgiving. Ponder this question: Could you carry that mind-set of gratitude through the year, not just in November? Celebrate a daily Thanksgiving with eyes wide-open for God’s gifts and a heart full of thanks for every precious blessing in your life.

Pretend you’re sitting at the dining room table laden with a full Thanksgiving spread, and Jesus is your dinner company. What would you tell Him?

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Thank the Lord

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. — Psalm 100 NLT

The book of Psalms is bursting with praise and adoration for God, but only one psalm is singled out as a psalm of thanksgiving. Psalm 100 is a beautiful example of how to thank our Lord. We are to shout with joy, worship Him with gladness, sing for joy, acknowledge His greatness, and enter His presence with thanksgiving. Why? Because He is good, His love never fails, and He is faithful.

The next few mornings, read Psalm 100 to begin your day. How will you show God gratitude today?

Excerpted with permission from 100 Days of Thanks, copyright Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

God is good! Not only does He protect, defend, care for, heal, lead, guide, direct, inspire, and on and on, He is also our great Provider! What are you thankful for? Come share with us. We want to hear from you!