I’ve been thinking about the phrase “give thanks” a lot recently. We hear it all over the place, especially in this Thanksgiving/Christmas time of year. God commands it about a million times in Scripture. Often that looks like a quick “Thank You, Jesus for this food” before each meal and not much more.
In the season of gifts and presents and such, the word “give” struck me differently yesterday than it has before. To give means sacrifice. “Give” is a verb.
To give is an action.
To give is to yield.
To give is to hand over.
To give thanks is to surrender my need to do, and simply know the truth of what is…
… that I’m loved.
I am cared for.
I am free and whole in You, God.
… that You, O Lord, are more than enough.
You are not a distant deity, You’re a faithful friend.
You are fighting even when I can’t see You.
You win.
To give thanks is to know grace.
To give thanks is to be still and let You fight for me.
The Lord will fight for You; You need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly… and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17)
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Great insights. I guess I’d never thought about giving thanks that way, like actually tangibly GIVING something.
Miss you!
Me neither Adrian. It adds a new depth to the phrase for me at least.
Miss you too.