Apostle Paul admonishes us to give thanks to God “in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18). We practice thanksgiving even when we’re fearful or worried because it’s part of how we set our eyes on God and cultivate faith in him. Thanksgiving is one of the key ways we push back against worry, fear, and anxiety. And King David is an example of how to give thanks to God.
The Psalms prove especially helpful for seeing thanksgiving as a weapon against worry. Because the Psalms are so beautifully written, the psalmists crafted many of their words in the midst of danger, trials, and suffering. David penned a number of psalms when he was in the wilderness, running and hiding from enemies, abandoned, betrayed, hungry, thirsty, and weary. The Psalms in the wilderness were forged in the fire, not on a spiritual retreat.
Rather than being consumed with fear about circumstances, he gives thanks to God ruling over those circumstances. It would be easy to be discouraged or overwhelmed and give up or to throw all his energy into seeking control by devising a plan, but David’s response in trials is to practice thanksgiving.
David gives thanks to God in a few different ways, and we can follow his example by leaning into gratitude when we’re worried. Below is five ways he gives thanks when in the midst of trials that are applicable to us today.
5 Ways to Give Thanks to God
- Look Back
Sometimes David looks back and remembers God’s faithfulness and thanks to him for it. How has God been faithful, kind, merciful, or gracious in the past? Give thanks for the times and ways he provided, delivered, sustained, or comforted you through trials in your past
- Consider God
Other times, thanksgiving focuses simply on who God is. David will give thanks to God because of his compassion, power, mercy, faithfulness, and love.
- Thanksgiving by Music
Music is a wonderful medium to present thanks. In addition, it is fun regardless if you have a good voice or not. The Bible presents two ways that we can express our thanks through music.
- Thanksgiving by Worship
One of the ways in which a person can express thanks is by one’s participation in worship services.
- Thanksgiving by Holy Living
Finally, Paul shows us that we can show our appreciation and thanksgiving unto God by living a holy life. Paul writes (Romans 12:1). When we live in a fashion that is contrary to God’s will, we do not show a thankful heart unto God.
Here are 10 ways to worship with a heart like David’s:
1) David’s psalms show how hard he sought to know God (Psalm 19:7-9).
2) David fully engaged his heart in worship to God (Psalm 63:1-5).
4) David embraced the sacrifice of worship (Psalm 54:6).
5) David responded when his worship revealed sin (Psalm 25:1, 5, 11).
6) David learned to worship God in any situation (Psalm 63:1-3).
7) David‘s honesty with God drew him into worship (Psalm 8:3-4, 13: 1-2).
9) David allowed his worship to usher him into prayer (Psalm 86:5-6).
Conclusion
Are you thankful for the things that God has done for you? If you are, the Bible presents many ways in which we can express our thanks to God. When we enter eternity, we may just find that there are far more things for which we should be thankful than what we first realized.
God bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Apostle Paul admonishes us to give thanks to God “in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18). We practice thanksgiving even when we’re fearful or worried because it’s part of how we set our eyes on God and cultivate faith in him. Thanksgiving is one of the key ways we push back against worry, fear, and anxiety. And King David is an example of how to give thanks to God.
Rather than being consumed with fear about circumstances, he gives thanks to God ruling over those circumstances. It would be easy to be discouraged or overwhelmed and give up or to throw all his energy into seeking control by devising a plan, but David’s response in trials is to practice thanksgiving.