How to Be Thankful Psalm 107:1-9, etc.

This is the time of year when we focus on thanksgiving… The Bible tells us to give thanks at other times as well There are many who are thankful for a change of leadership soon in our nation Have you ever noticed how different something can appear when viewed from different angles

I. Consider the Providential Angle “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.” (Psalm 107:1–5, NKJV)

Psalm 107:1-5 “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:6–9, NKJV)

A. We can evaluate history in light of God’s providential dealings He provides redemption when people are lost He provides deliverance when called upon He provides direction when needed He provides wonderful works when undeserved He provides soul satisfaction when there is longing

B. We can evaluate life in light of God’s character We can view life as under the control of a good God We can view life as under the control of a merciful God We can view life as under the control of a saving God We can view life as under the control of a capable God

II. Consider the Cosmological Angle “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:20–21, NKJV)

A. We can view the created world as a product of God’s power This gives us a cosmic understanding of our unique nature This gives us a clear appreciation for the purpose of life

B. We can ignore the evidence of God’s creative genius We are capable of ignoring God’s presence and power We are capable of losing our perspective and the light

III. Consider the Circumstantial Angle “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, NKJV)

A. We are expected to have the right mindset in all circumstances We are to maintain a joyful disposition We are to maintain a prayerful disposition We are to have a thankful disposition

B. We have a clear command and sufficient resources This is stated in a command form This is stated as the will of God for us This is not expected without biblical resources

IV. Consider the Christological Angle “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:10–15, NKJV)

A. We should encourage thankfulness by our responsive giving As we emulate God’s giving, so we engender thanksgiving God’s giving includes both physical and spiritual provision

B. We should be personally thankful for God’s gift of Christ to us We should see Christ as God’s unparalleled gift to us We should share Christ as God’s unparalleled gift to men We should see all of life in view of God’s salvation through Christ

Concluding thoughts: When reviewing or contemplating life, we must seek to view it from… The providential angle: God is directing all things The cosmological angle: God has created all things The circumstantial angle: God is bigger than our circumstances The Christological angle: God has given us all we need in Christ