Merriam-Webster describes being thankful as “well pleased or conscious of a benefit received”. The website freedictionary.com defines giving thanks as "expressing gratitude". So it seems that giving thanks is a result of being conscious of a benefit received.
Psalm 50:23 says, But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. (NLT)
Until I read this verse I had never thought of giving thanks as a sacrifice, but as I dug deeper into the background of it, I learned the Israelites were commanded to give thank offerings as peace offerings to God. An article from the website, LearnTheBible.com, entitled, “The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving”, by David Reagan (http://www.learnthebible.org/the-sacrifice-of-thanksgiving.html), explains that we cannot have the peace that surpasses human understanding without a thankful heart. I recommend you take time to read the article as it explains the details and symbolism of the thanksgiving sacrifice.
A blog post entitled “A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving”, by Katherine Harms (https://livingontilt.com/2012/05/21/a-sacrifice-of-thanksgiving/ ), on the blog, Living on Tilt, explains Psalm 50:23 in the context that God has become displeased with the resentful hearts of His people who are dutifully presenting the sacrifice to Him, but they are doing it with bitterness. They do not want to give to Him what they believe they have worked hard to earn. They did not recognize that all they had was God's from the beginning. He seeks a heart that praises Him and sacrifices willingly. Katherine explains this concept beautifully and in much more depth than I have time to do here today.
Since we no longer bring sacrifices of animals or unleavened bread to the altar, how do we in this modern world offer a thanksgiving sacrifice to God? First we need to be conscious of a benefit received and then we need to express gratitude for it, but we cannot only be thankful for what we consider good things, we must be thankful in all things. Sometimes God allows circumstances in our lives that we do not see as positive in any way, but ultimately contribute to our growth, well-being, or deepen our relationship and dependence on Him. Below are some ideas that exhibit to God you are thankful for the benefit of peace that comes from a relationship with Christ.
1. Find something to thank God for each day.
2. Be thankful when times are tough.
3. Pray for the well-being of someone who has hurt you.
4. Tithe willingly and happily knowing that your sacrifice will help someone else.
5. Take time to show kindness to someone who is in need.
I sure am thankful for you, and I'd like to hear your ideas of how you exhibit thankfulness.
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