Give Thanks Because…

Introduction: Are you GRATEFUL for our Lord’s PROVISIONS? Do you murmur and complain? Most of us do more than we should. Instead of being UNGRATEFUL for what we don’t have, we should be PRAISING our Lord for what we do have!

Why GIVE THANKS? Do you know why we should GIVE THANKS? The Psalmist experienced victory over an UNGRATEFUL spirit as he was inspired to write these words. Read his reasons for GIVING THANKS.

“O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:26)

1. He gave THANKS because the Lord supplied his daily food! (Psa 136:25)

“25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Poverty is real. Here in America we do not not see a lot of people who are without food. But while traveling on mission trips across the globe, it becomes evident poverty is real. 

So we ought to THANK our Lord for our daily bread!

2. He gave THANKS because the Lord delivered him from his enemies! (Psa 136:24)

“24And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for enemies.”

The word “redeemed” is  פָרַק: (paw-rak’), which to to tear apart or away. In other words, our Lord rescues us from those who are against us. 

3. He gave THANKS because the Lord remembered their condition! (Psa 136:23)

“23Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:”

The words “low estate” is שֶׁפֶל (shay’-fel), which means condition. In other words – God chose both Israel and us today (the Church does not replace Israel) not because of our greatness, but because of His choice for the down and out, the lowly. He did it all for His glory. 

4. He gave THANKS because the Lord GAVE land as an INHERITANCE! (Psa 136:21,22)

“And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: 22Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

In the SOVEREIGNTY of God, He chose to GIVE His people a LAND INHERITANCE to possess. 

This was their real estate. In order to be a nation, a people must have land. To this day, this LAND COVENANT has not been fully fulfilled by Israel. However, during the Millennium reign of Jesus Christ, Israel will possess the totality of God’s promise to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. 

5.  He gave THANKS because of the Lord’s marvelous CREATION! (Psa 136:4-9)

“4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. 5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. 6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. 7To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: 8The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: 9The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.” 

What can you say about God’s handiwork? His CREATION is AMAZING. We stand in AWE of the complexity and enormity of this universe. 

And yet, Jesus knows our name, our frame, and our pain! Not only that but the fact that Jesus would die a sacrificial death in order to take away our sins as we trust Him, and prepare a place in heaven as He has promised to come again, that is a BLESSING indeed. 

Conclusion: Now do you agree with the Psalmist? We have far more to THANK our Lord and Savior for this thanksgiving than we have to complain about. 

So let’s do it!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese