It is written; “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalms 107:21. Giving thanks to God is an expression of appreciation and gratitude to Him for who He is and what He has done for us. God is good and His goodness and wonderful works are all for benefit His children. Thanksgiving is an act of praise, worship and part and parcel of prayer. We have come a long way, experienced untold victories and even enjoyed blessings that we can easily pass for ordinary happenings, yet in all these God’s finger prints are visible.

Give thanks to God! He is God and above Him there is no other! Today is our day of thanksgiving; we are saying thank you to God for what He has done, He is doing and will do in our lives, families and ministry. Thanksgiving is expressed with joy and gladness. It is from a heart full of satisfaction and adoration. Thanksgiving is motivated by a grateful heart which cannot repay the favor and goodness extended to it, no matter how much one tries. With all this, it is easy to understand why we need to give thanks unto God. Thanksgiving is also an act of faith. We not only thank God after He has done something – the truth is we owe Him a debt of gratefulness that we can never pay, but we also thank Him before the manifestation of His goodness in our lives. Abraham waited for the birth of Isaac for so long; where men would despair and quit, Abraham was strong in faith through thanksgiving. “He (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God” Romans 4:20. We have been praying; petitioning and interceding for long, let’s engage a higher gear of thanksgiving. Exuberant and generous thanksgiving is my emphasis here.

Abraham was strengthened by giving glory to God; he was thanking Him for Isaac and this actualized the miracle he needed. Do not be distracted by what is not in place presently, thank God for what He has done and because you know everything will fit in a plan for your good. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Giving thanks is God’s will for you. You can never ever be out of His will when you give thanks. So, no matter where you find yourself and the experiences you have, God’s will is that you give thanks. Thank Him with your words, with songs and with a dance. Celebrate God! Celebrate His goodness and love. He is worthy of all praise. When you do this with revelation and on purpose, your heart will well up with joy, your faith will continually be strengthened and your life will always be fulfilled. “Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!” 1 Chronicles 16:8-9. During thanksgiving, you call upon His name; you address your thanksgiving to Him. It is not enough to thank, you should specify the recipient of your thanks. Secondly, you declare what He has done. Remember His benefits to you (Psalm 103:2), declare His goodness.

During thanksgiving, sing; sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, sing and make melody in your heart to Him. Talk of His wondrous works; testify of His work in your life. “Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!” 1 Chronicles 16:29. Last but not least, you consummate your thanksgiving with an offering. Give the Lord an offering of thanksgiving that is due to His name. When you think of what He has done for you, you cannot repay Him enough; however, bring an offering that shows how grateful you are. This should be your lifestyle, train yourself to give a thanksgiving offering regularly as you give God the glory due to His name. Give it gladly with reverence as a token of appreciation to the almighty God. Give thanks unto the Lord.

~ Robert Ssesanga

Pastor Robert Ssesanga founded Aflame Gospel Ministries and is Senior Pastor of Aflame Gospel Assembly in Kampala, Uganda. An author and speaker, he travels internationally preaching the Gospel with signs, miracles and wonders, as God attests to His word with power. His emphasis on victorious living and enjoying the supernatural life has impacted many lives in many nations. His passion is to demonstrate the gospel and impact generations.

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