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Introduction
One of the cardinal shortcomings of this generation is ingratitude - unthankfulness. It follows close on the heels of prosperity. It is a growing failing of the people of this generation and is causing the Almighty to turn away from many a soul, not so much in anger but in sorrow.
Ingratitude stifles spiritual growth, checks the progress of friendship and in the end severs the links between loved ones and also between YaHuWaH and man. And yet this need not be; for we all know that no matter how unworthy or poor a person may be, it is always possible to be thankful for what we have received. We all know that saying "thank you" doesn't cost the receiver anything; but it brings a lot of joy to the giver. A thankful heart is in fact the hallmark of the truly great person, just as ingratitude is of the small. Let us therefore study this matter of thankfulness to YaHuWaH , noting all the while that it is a reaction which brings great joy to His heart.
1. Give Thanks Unto YaHuWaH
Coming a close second to the statement "Have faith in Elohim" is the Bible admonition to "Give thanks to YaHuWaH." The Scriptures abound with texts to this effect:
| 1 Chronicles 16:34 | O give thanks unto YaHuWaH ; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever. 35: And say ye, Save us, O Elohim of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to Thy holy Name, and glory in Thy praise. |
| Psalm 105:1 | O give thanks unto YaHuWaH ; call upon His Name: make known His deeds among the people. 2: Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him: talk ye of all His wondrous works. |
| Psalm 106:1 | Praise ye YAH. O give thanks unto YaHuWaH ; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. 2: Who can utter the mighty acts of YaHuWaH ? who can shew forth all His praise? |
| Psalm 107:1 | O give thanks unto YaHuWaH, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. 2: Let the redeemed of YaHuWaH say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; |
2. Give Thanks at all Times
It is of course an easy matter to give thanks when we receive something we want. The Scriptures advise however that we give thanks at all times and in all circumstances. This is a difficult - though not impossible - concept to appreciate. It only becomes possible when we realize that sometimes YaHuWaH allows experiences to come our way in order to improve the tenor of our spiritual performance and to raise us to even higher realms of glory. Therefore in good times and in bad, remember to give thanks.
| Psalm 119:62 | At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. |
3. Give Thanks in the Presence of All
It is reasonably easy to give thanks to YaHuWaH in the presence of those who believe in Him.
It doesn't take much courage to do so because there is no fear of being laughed at. But to give thanks to the Most High amidst a group of unbelievers is quite another matter. That takes courage. And though we are not to needlessly "cast our pearls before swine," there are times when we should, in the presence of others, praise and thank YaHuWaH for His overwhelming goodness to mankind.
| Matt. 15:36 | And He took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. |
Note that mostly unbelievers were present when this experience took place.
4. The Sacrifice of Thanks
In the Scriptures we read of the various types of sacrifices:
- Sin Offerings
- The Savior fulfilled these. He paid the price for our sins. Forgiveness is only possible through faith in him. See the article on YAHUSHUA the Savior and Salvation.
- Peace / Thank offerings
- This is where we believers come into the picture. The thank offerings in Torah are symbolic of our role. Leviticus 7:12-13.
5. The Correct Mental Attitude of Thanksgiving
| Luke 22:17 | And He took the cup, and gave thanks ... |
| v 19 | And He took bread, and gave thanks ... |
YAHUSHUA was perfectly aware of what these symbols stood for. They represented his blood and broken body. They represented his suffering and death. And yet - wonder of wonders! He gave thanks at such a time as this. Pause awhile and try to appreciate the mental stature required for such an act. It indicates a height of perfection few if any believers have ever reached. But it tells of a truth we can all understand. It tells us that no matter how difficult our circumstances, no matter how painful the prospect, no matter how bleak the future, we can - and should - give thanks unto the Most High.
We are reminded repeatedly in Psalm 136:
1: O give thanks unto YaHuWaH ; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.
2: O give thanks unto the Elohim of elohims: for His mercy endureth for ever.
3: O give thanks to the Master of masters: for His mercy endureth for ever.
Joy By Surprise
