True Thanksgiving

True Thanksgiving is not complete until it is expressed! 

The Bible reminds us of the healing of ten men with leprosy (Luke 17:12-19). Ten were healed, only one returned to Jesus to say thank you. Jesus asked “Where are the nine?”

DL Moody once told of an elderly man who shared at one of his meetings that he had lived most of his life on “Grumble” Street. He said after he received Christ and became a Christian, he moved to Thanksgiving Street.

Many today are missing the blessing and victory by not being thankful, praising people. You may pray and pray which is good, but praise will truly open heaven’s blessings. 

David knew the victory (Psalm 22:3) “Thou art holy, O Thou who inhabited the praises of the Israelites.” There is great power in praise.

In my Bible college days, before each semester they had a day of prayer followed by a day of praise.  After dorm prayers, chapel prayers and personal prayers on the first day, students and teachers gathered in the chapel on the second day to share what God was doing in their lives. Revival and refreshment came from God which became evident with many confessing sins and expressing love for God and each other. This renewal and refreshing from God lasted for days as classes were dismissed. 

The secret of this blessing is found in truly giving God praise and thanksgiving. 

David, in the Old Testament, knew the victory of praise and faith in God and His will. 

Psalm 107:22 “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and rehearse His deeds with shouts of joy and singing!” Amplified Bible. 

Psalm 16:7, 8 “I will bless the Lord Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”

Thus God is pleased when we offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Many times we do not feel like praising God but do it anyway and see what God will do. 

Since those early days I often thank God for His care, forgiveness and blessings. We have much to be thankful for every day. True thanksgiving is not complete until it is expressed.

Will you experience true thanksgiving this year? Will you move from “Grumble” Street to “Thanksgiving” Street?