Texts: Psalm 103:1–5; Psalm 107:22
Introduction
As the year comes to a close, Christians are called to a sacred time of reflection and thanksgiving. God has remained faithful, even though every day, month, and season has carried its own challenges and blessings. Psalm 103:2 reminds us: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all the good things He has done for you.”
We are encouraged to reflect on how God has blessed, provided for, protected, and sustained us physically, mentally, and spiritually. God has cared for our families, strengthened our work, preserved our health, and nourished our faith.
Therefore, thanksgiving is more than a polite expression of appreciation; it is a holy act of worship; a “sweet-smelling sacrifice” presented before God. It is an intentional offering of faith, devotion, and remembrance.
This article encourages Christians to pause and reflect on God’s goodness throughout the year and to trust His continued faithfulness in the days ahead. Our thanksgiving should be heartfelt, selfless, and unending, because the God who kept us yesterday is the same God who can keep us today and tomorrow.
- Thanksgiving as an Expression of Remembrance
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2, NKJV).
To give thanks is to remember deliberately. Biblical thanksgiving begins when believers intentionally reflect on God’s goodness; His forgiveness, healing, redemption, compassion, and unfailing love (Psalm 103:1–5).
Warren (2019) notes that gratitude is among the most powerful feelings a person can cultivate. The more gratitude one expresses, the more one becomes aware of further reasons to be thankful.
Remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens our faith and shapes our hope for the future. Forgetfulness, however, produces a spirit of complaint rather than an attitude of worship. Forgetting leads to ingratitude; remembering leads to praise.
When we intentionally reflect on God’s blessings, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving, offering a spiritual fragrance pleasing to the Lord. Every moment of remembrance becomes a testimony; a sign that God is active in our lives. Thanksgiving becomes a prayer that honors God for His constant goodness.
- Thanksgiving as a Sacrifice of Faith
“And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing” (Psalm 107:22, NKJV).
True thanksgiving is not reserved only for seasons of comfort or visible achievement. Some of the deepest expressions of gratitude arise in moments of confusion, hardship, or loss. Thanksgiving is sometimes a “sacrifice” because it requires us to surrender our comfort, expectations, pride, or tears.
According to the Nigerian Baptist Convention’s Daily Devotional Guide (2023), gratitude in difficult times “demonstrates faith in God’s sovereignty and unchanging nature.” A grateful heart in adversity reflects deep trust in God’s goodness and power.
Such sacrificial thanksgiving declares: “God is still worthy, even now, even here.” It rises before Him like incense from an altar of unwavering trust.
The prophet Habakkuk modeled this posture when he declared, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord” (Habakkuk 3:17–19, NKJV), even in the face of famine and uncertainty. Thanksgiving in such moments is not denial but proclamation, an affirmation that God remains faithful regardless of circumstances.
Many believers give thanks not only for what God has done but also for what He is yet to do; a sign of complete trust in His nature and promises.
- Thanksgiving Invites God’s Presence and Blessing
A heart of gratitude creates an atmosphere where God’s presence is welcome. Psalm 22:3 declares that God is “enthroned in the praises of Israel,” meaning He dwells in the worship of His people.
Warren (2002) notes, “God smiles when we praise and thank Him continually.” Thanksgiving not only pleases God; it draws Him near.
When gratitude becomes a lifestyle rather than a seasonal activity, it transforms our perspective. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has generously provided. This shift strengthens hope, joy, and emotional resilience.
A thankful heart opens the door to more of God’s blessings. A life marked by continual thanksgiving becomes a spiritual altar from which praise continually rises. In such a life, God’s peace, guidance, and favor become more evident, creating a cycle of blessings that sustains believers throughout the year.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is more than spoken words; it is a fragrant offering from a heart filled with gratitude. As we reflect on the past months, we recognize that we have reached this point solely through God’s mercy and faithfulness. His provision, protection, and unfailing love are worthy of continual praise.
The God who guided us through challenges will also lead us into the future. Let today’s thanksgiving become an altar, an altar of remembrance for God’s past deeds, an altar of faith for what He will yet accomplish, and an altar of praise for His unchanging goodness.
May God bless us richly throughout the remainder of the year and beyond as we express genuine thanksgiving.
Reflections
- Have I intentionally focused on God’s blessings in my life this year?
- Do I express gratitude even in uncertain or difficult circumstances?
- How can I make thanksgiving a daily practice rather than a seasonal one?
Take a moment to list three specific things God has done for you this year, and offer Him heartfelt thanks.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness, mercy, and protection throughout this year. Forgive me for the times I complained instead of giving thanks. Today, I offer my thanksgiving as a sweet-smelling sacrifice. Let my heart overflow with gratitude for what You have done, what You are doing, and what You will yet do. As this year draws to an end, keep me and my loved ones in Your perfect peace. Guide our steps, strengthen our faith, and let our lives continually bring glory to Your holy name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
References
- Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1982). Thomas Nelson.
- Nigerian Baptist Convention. (2023). Daily Devotional Guide. Baptist Press.
- Warren, R. (2002). The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Zondervan.
- Warren, R. (2019). Daily Hope Devotional.
- Psalm 103:1–5; Psalm 107:22; Psalm 22:3; Habakkuk 3:17–19.