## It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks

## Psalm 92:1-4

Our culture has changed considerably. That change is reflected in our language and practice. Some very important phrases have all but disappeared. One of those phrases is "Thank You". That is sad enough, but not only has it disappeared between people, it has disappeared between man and God!

No one enjoys being taken advantage of, but people do it all the time to God. They enjoy His goodness and His blessings and never take time to thank Him.

This is November, the month we think of Thanksgiving. But do you realize that multitudes of people will never once lift their eyes to God and offer their thanks? That is truly a tragic thought. The Psalmist declared that it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.

Giving thanks unto the Lord is good for each of us.

I. It will take care of our discouragement.

A. 1 Thess. 5:18, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

B It is easy to look at our own particular trials or disappointments and become discouraged.

C. But if we can grasp the truth of that verse we can rejoice - God is in control and He knows what is best for His children.

II. It will increase our joy.

A. Count your blessings - name them one by one -count your many blessings - see what God has done.

B. God is so good to us - sometimes we need to stop and consider all the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

C. The greatest of all is Jesus Christ!

D. "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God"

E. If that doesn't make you happy - there is something wrong.

III. It will increase our faith & hope.

A. Since God has already done so much for us; our hearts are encouraged about the future.

B. Paul wrote, "Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." Col. 1:12

C. Talk about a bright future!

D. Thank God - one day we will be with Him in eternity.

IV. It will encourage others

A. Others are constantly watching our lives.

B. As we give thanks - perhaps we may encourage someone else to offer thanksgiving.

C. It will bring an awareness to them who have been taking God for granted.

D. NOTE: Ps. 92:1b, "It is a good thing ... to sing praises unto thy name, O most High."

E. You go around singing praises unto God and others will want to know why - they will be uplifted also.

V. It will bring joy unto God.

A. Every earthly parent rejoices when their children come to them saying, "Thank you I love you"

B. God rejoices when we offer up our thanksgiving.

C. He is ignored by multitudes and even some of His children.

D. Remember - He is the One who has recorded all these verses about giving thanks.

E. He cares for us - meets our every need deserves our thanksgiving

We are entering into the season of Thanksgiving. However, there can be no limit placed on when or how often we should give thanks. The Psalmist exhorts us to give thanks morning and evening. There is no limit upon God's goodness why should we cease to give thanks?

Do you know Jesus as Lord and Savior? If not there is no better time than right now - Have you failed to thank Him for all His loving kindness? There's no better time than right now.