God Deserves Our Thanks
LAST WEEK: Hell is real and those who do not accept Christ will receive eternal punishment.
THIS WEEK: God deserves our thanks and praise for His creation, provision, power, and salvation.
QUESTION: “WHY DOES THANKS RIGHTFULLY BELONG TO GOD?”
THE POINT: “WE HAVE SO MUCH TO THANK GOD FOR.”
MEMORY VERSE: PSALM 65: 1
“Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.”
Psalm 65 was described as “a song of thanksgiving that exemplifies God’s great care for His creation.” (Recently returned from vacation at the National Parks: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, and other locations. God’s creation is wonderful-awesome, beyond description, made us feel more spiritual, with added appreciation for the Hymn, “How Great Thou Art”.) We must be careful not to take God or the kindness of others for granted. The introduction gave an example of how children may cry when given a gift they don’t like, however, their parents teach them to say thank you regardless. In the spirit of thanksgiving, we celebrate “Administrative Professionals Day, International Nurses Day, National Teacher Appreciation Day, Grandparents Day”, Pastor’s Appreciation month, etc.
- READ: PSALM 65: 1-4 HIS ETERNAL PLAN
“Our praise is rightfully due to God for His provision, power, and eternal plan.” Church calendars are full of events to show appreciation and recognize people for their service. David was clear in Psalm 65 that praise belongs to God. “No one else is deserving or our worship. God has been so faithful to us, and as believers, we should gladly fulfill vows we’ve made to Him in prayer.” God is always available to us through prayer, and when we sin, we can go to Him in prayer for forgiveness. “David wrote that all humanity will come to God”, while Jesus said not everyone will go to heaven. The distinction here is that those going to heaven have bowed to Jesus, and those headed for judgement and hell will bow on their knees when Jesus comes again. Paul said in Philippians 2: 10-11 that “Every knee will bow…and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Our own sins and the confusion in the world can weigh heavy upon us; and only God can remove the sin that separates us from being in His presence. To ‘atone’ means to cover’; and only God can pay our sin debt and transform our lives. We will dwell with God for eternity and thank Him for His grace and mercy!
- “WHAT MAKES GOD’S FORGIVENESS SUCH A VALUABLE GIFT?”
- READ: PSALM 65: 5-8 HIS GREAT POWER
God is able to address any problems we may face in life. “In addition to God’s forgiveness, we can be thankful for God’s greatness and power…prayer is necessary…in Psalm 65, David assures us God not only hears our prayers (v.2), but answers (v.5).” Thankfulness and praise complement each other. “When we praise God, we are affirming His glory, and declaring His worth…terms in the Bible to express this sentiment: ‘blessing’, ‘hallelujah,’ ‘exaltation,’ and others. David danced before the Lord (2 Sam. 6: 14). Asaph spent time in silence by meditation and remembering God’s wondrous works (Ps. 77: 11-12). Hannah prayed a prayer of thanksgiving when God answered her prayer (1 Sam. 2: 1-10)” However we must praise God genuinely and not for show, form, or fashion (Amos 5: 21-23).”
- “WHAT HAS GOD’S GREATNESS AND POWER ACCOMPLISHEDIN YOUR LIFE?”
We all need hope and crave it. The lesson cited the historical hope exampled by African Americans, with all the past and present discrimination, disparities, and negative stereotypes. We need to put our trust in God. We are the recipients of our ancestor’s prayers, manifested during the Civil Rights Movement, the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, the election of President Obama, etc. Hope in God, who is “completely righteous, all-powerful, gracious One offering hope to the whole world”, delivered us. David used the mountains as an example of God’s strength that cannot be matched. How God, the “omnipotent creator”, reveals Himself through His creation is humbling. As mentioned in Genesis, everything that God created was good. He can control nature (calm storms at sea, etc.) and influence history and kingdoms. “Our God can silence any threats, and He will one day. Our God sees all, knows all, and rights wrongs. We only need to trust Him, exhibit patience, and be grateful.”
- READ: PSALM 65: 9-13 HIS AWESOME PROVISION
Neglect their children, families not visiting the sick and shut-in, or those in prison mentioned. “However, we can thank God that He has not left us on our own. David tells us that God visits the earth (v.9). He is concerned about His creation…God watches over our needs, and when He waters, He does so abundantly…God fills, He prepares, and He provides…God sustains all of His creation including the earth and all of its inhabitants…ebb and flow of weather patterns…prepares the dirt and feeds the entire world…God’s timing, wisdom, and provision are beyond human comprehension.” Aluminum foil, leftovers, the abundance of food at thanksgiving is an example of how blessed we are.
- “WHAT CAUSES YOU TO GIVE THANKS WHEN YOU LOOK AROUND?”
God conducts His creation with precision. Israel had big celebrations after an abundant harvest trusting God for good soil, water, and future harvest. They also had plenty of grazing fields for their flocks. “As you think about God’s abundant provision for your life remember that every day is a day of thanksgiving; God deserves our Thanks and Praise!
LIVE IT “If you have so much to be thankful for, how will you resolve to express that gratitude to God?
We must remember to be thankful, show gratitude, and praise God for all His blessing in our lives. And show gratitude to people who have blessed you and not take God or them for granted. This must be done sincerely and more than the traditional expressions at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Be grateful in any situation, thanking God for His “provisions of a forgiving, powerful God”. This holiday follow this:
- Personal reflection. Take some time to get specific about why you must be grateful. Evaluate the blessings you might often take for granted and thank God for them one by one.
- Intentional encouragement. Some of the greatest gifts in our lives are the people with whom God has surrounded us. Reach out to tell someone you are thankful that he or she is in your life.
- Family discussion. Amid all the holiday busyness, carve out time to list why your family should be thankful. Use this list during fellowship to discuss the reasons we have to thank God.”
Adapted from: YOU, FALL 2023, www.lifeway.com