At this time of thanksgiving, let’s look at what the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy say regarding thankfulness.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Educate the soul to cheerfulness, to thankfulness, and to the expression of gratitude to God for the great love wherewith He hath loved us.” Child Guidance, 146
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34
“Come to the Lord with hearts overflowing with thankfulness for past and present mercies, and manifest your appreciation of God’s bounties by bringing to Him your thank offerings, your freewill offerings, and your trespass offerings.” The Review and Herald, January 4, 1881
“… giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
“Of all things that are sought, cherished, and cultivated, there is nothing so valuable in the sight of God as a pure heart, a disposition imbued with thankfulness and peace.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 559
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Psalm 103:2
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18
“O come, let us sing unto the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, and a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:1–3
“I love the Lord. … I love Him because He first loved me. He gave His life for me. … It seemed to me that we should have praise seasons, and that constantly our hearts should be filled so full with thankfulness to God, that they would overflow in words of praise and deeds of love. We should cultivate a spirit of thankfulness.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 234
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” Psalm 28:7
In joy or in sorrow, we have so much to be thankful for. Our God has prepared a way that we might once again be united with Him as His children. He supplies all our needs. He comforts, He forgives, He loves.
Dear Lord, let this be our prayer, “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100