“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:34

Want to be happy? Be grateful! The primary benefit of thankfulness is its strong and consistent association with greater happiness and overall well-being. “This overarching benefit encompasses a wide range of positive impacts on mental, emotional, social, and even physical health,” according to iask.ai. God is worthy of thanks for a multitude of things. Yesterday we thanked Him for physical things. Today, let’s look at some spiritual and relational things we can be thankful for.

Our thankfulness begins with the very nature and character of God. He is holy, just, merciful, and good, a perfect being whose attributes inspire awe and worship. The psalmist declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1 NIV). This goodness is not merely an occasional act but an intrinsic part of His being. His righteousness ensures justice, while His mercy offers redemption. “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8 NIV).

Secondly, the greatest expression of God’s character is found in His plan of salvation. Through Jesus Christ, humanity is offered deliverance from sin and eternal life – free (or free gratis as Grandma Ina May used to say. “That means you can take it and you don’t have to give it back.”) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). This undeserved gift elicits excited thankfulness. Paul exhorts believers, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV). Salvation is not earned but freely given, a testament to God’s boundless grace, prompting unending gratitude.

Thirdly, God’s faithfulness is a constant source of comfort and reason for thanksgiving. He remains true to His promises, never abandoning His people. “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made” (Psalm 145:13). Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). This unwavering reliability provides a secure foundation for our lives, allowing us to trust in His plans and provisions. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

The fourth reason is God’s presence. This profound blessing warrants continuous thankfulness. He is not a distant deity but an ever-present companion, walking with us through every season of life. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). This intimate relationship brings comfort, guidance, and strength. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7 NIV). Knowing that we are never truly alone fosters a deep sense of security and gratitude.

We would be remiss to end without highlighting God’s love. It is the wellspring of all His actions and the ultimate reason for our thankfulness. It is an unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal love that surpasses human comprehension. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). This love is demonstrated in creation, salvation, and His ongoing care for us. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Responding to such immense love with thankfulness is a natural and fitting response.

We could go on and on about God’s spiritual gifts that, in His generosity, He bestows upon believers for the building up of the church and the advancement of His kingdom. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). These gifts, whether prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, or mercy, are expressions of His grace and empower us to fulfill His purposes. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4). Being thankful for these unique endowments encourages us to use them diligently for His glory.

The experience of answered prayer is a tangible manifestation of God’s active involvement in our lives and a powerful catalyst for thankfulness. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). While not every prayer is answered precisely as we expect, the instances where God intervenes directly and clearly demonstrate His attentiveness and care. “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). Each answered prayer strengthens our faith and deepens our gratitude.

I will conclude with my favorite spiritual blessing: the community of believers. The Church is a gift from God for which we are profoundly thankful. It provides fellowship, encouragement, accountability, and a collective space for worship and service. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). This spiritual family offers support in times of trouble and rejoices with us in times of blessing. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Being part of this body is a privilege that calls for heartfelt thankfulness.

CTA:

1. Share one spiritual or relational blessing that comes to mind for you. If you can’t think of one, expound on one that I highlighted.