Why does giving thanks to God matter?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Giving thanks to God matters because He is worthy and commands it for our good, shaping our hearts to trust and love Him more deeply. Thanksgiving is an act of worship, a way to remember God's faithfulness, and a path to peace even in hardship. Gratitude realigns our focus from ourselves to God's goodness and provision, anchoring us in His truth. In difficult times, giving thanks is not ignoring pain but declaring that God is present and working through it. Gratitude helps us look beyond ourselves and gain better perspective. Ultimately, a thankful heart reflects Christ, strengthens us in trials, and displays God’s light to the world.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Verses instructing us to give thanks to the Lord occur throughout the Bible. Some examples are Psalm 106:1, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 118:29, and 1 Chronicles 16:8, 34, 35.
• Thanksgiving strengthens relationship with God by remembering His past acts of deliverance and provision (1 Chronicles 16:8).
• Thanksgiving is an act of worship and recognition of God’s faithfulness and goodness. It acknowledges God as the source of all blessings (Psalm 100:4).
• Giving thanks expresses trust and dependence on God, especially in difficult times. It shows confidence that God is in control (Psalm 50:14).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Christians know that everything good ultimately comes from God. James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
• Giving thanks reflects a heart transformed by Christ, responding to God’s love and mercy (Ephesians 5:20).
• Paul was in jail when he wrote the letter to the Philippians, yet it is replete with the theme of joy. Here is what he counseled: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4–7).
• Thanksgiving is connected to prayer and peace, as it aligns our hearts with God’s purposes and fosters joy even in trials (Philippians 4:6). Thanksgiving is evidence of God’s presence in believers’ lives.
• Colossians 3:15–17 encourages believers to let the peace of Christ rule and to be thankful as they teach and admonish one another
• First Thessalonians 5:16–18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Thanksgiving is commanded as part of a grateful and Spirit-filled life, recognizing God’s grace in salvation and daily provision.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

God is good, generous, merciful, and kind (Luke 6:36; Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:7). We were far from Him when He pursued us to make us His own (John 3:16; Romans 5:6–8; 1 John 4:17–19). In giving thanks to God, we are reminded of who He is, how deeply loved we are, and that there is purpose in our lives. We see the gift of all that God has provided for us, both materially and spiritually, and can rest in His continual promise of faithfulness. When we grasp the magnitude of the spiritual blessings God has given us, we shouldn’t be able to be indifferent but instead be thankful to Him.

Giving thanks to God also helps us guard against covetousness, bitterness, selfishness, anger, and other harmful attitudes. Even when our circumstances are difficult, harmful, and demoralizing, thankfulness can help. We are not necessarily thankful for the difficult circumstances, but we can give thanks for God's presence in the midst and what He promises to do through it (James 1:2–18). We can thank Him for where we see His goodness even in the midst of difficulty. We can thank Him for what He will do through the difficulty. In trying times, it can be difficult to give thanks to God, but verses like Romans 5:3–5; Romans 8:28; James 1:2–4, 12; 1 Peter 1:3–12; and 2 Corinthians 12:9 can encourage us. Even in seasons of pain, confusion, or injustice, thanksgiving reminds us that God is still at work. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundant grace we’ve received, from fear to faith, and from despair to hope. Giving thanks is not a denial of hardship—it is a declaration that God is greater than our hardship. As we grow in gratitude, we are shaped more into the image of Christ, strengthened to endure, and positioned to reflect His light to a watching world. In every season, giving thanks keeps our hearts anchored in God’s truth and open to His transforming love.

UNDERSTAND

• God is worthy of our gratitude.
• Giving thanks is an act of worship.
• Thankfulness transforms our perspective.

REFLECT

• When have you experienced God's presence most clearly through giving thanks in a difficult season?
• What attitudes or habits in your life could shift if you practiced thankfulness more intentionally?
• How does remembering God's past faithfulness help you trust Him with your current challenges?

ENGAGE

• Why does God command us to give thanks in all circumstances—even difficult ones?
• How can practicing gratitude in community help us reflect Christ more in our community?
• What are some practical ways we can encourage each other to grow in thankfulness during both good and hard times?