Many years ago, I had a conversation with my late husband Bruce. I expressed how I didn't hear from God. Bruce heard from God. He asked me if I was thanking God. I wasn't, I hadn't thought about it, and didn't know it was something I needed to do, but I started to from that point on and then I started hearing God and God and I have had a two way conversation since.
As an example: Back in 1991, my dad was dying with cancer. We had plans to go visit him during the Teachers' Workshop that happens in October. About a week before that I got a call and was told Dad was back in the hospital. I asked God if we needed to go right away to see him or if we could continue with our plans. God simply said, "It's okay." So we waited and visited him the following week, while the kids were out of school for the four-day weekend. Dad went to be with Jesus about 5 weeks later. This is just one example of God speaking to me in my life. Many Christians have experienced God speaking to them, but every Christian should be hearing God speak to them. The way that God worked this out with me was by thanking Him. So, I would like to share some stats and scriptures with you on thanking God.
In the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible, there are 7 forms of the word "thank" in thanks to God, the Lord; whether directly, indirectly, by inference, or thank offerings. These words are: thank, thanked, thankful, thanking, thanks, and thanksgiving. All Scripture references are from the KJV and all italics of the forms of the word thank are added.
Thank is mentioned 22 times; below are 2 of those Scriptures.
23I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter. (Daniel 2:23)
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. (Romans 1:8)
Thanked appears 2 times. One example is below.
17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (Romans 6:17)
Thankful appears 2 times. One example is below.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Psalm 100:4)
Thanking is mentioned 1 time. That Scripture is:
13It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; (2 Chronicles 5:13a)
Thanks is mentioned 69 times; below are some of those Scriptures.
50Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.(2 Samuel 22:50)
12To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. (Psalm 30:4)
Even Jesus gave thanks 36And 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. (Matthew 15:36)
So, how much more should we? Much more!
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)
Thanksgiving shows up 26 times; below are some of those Scriptures.
17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:17)
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)
12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7:12)
Since so many Scriptures deal with thanking God, it is very important for us to do. He provides so much for us and meets our every need. The most important need was the sacrifice on the cross for us by the Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us and for our sins, so that through Him we can have salvation by receiving Him as our Lord and Savior. He is the only way to heaven, to the Father! Receive Him today by praying this prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for me and shedding Your blood. I ask You to forgive me and come into my life. Help me to follow You and serve You all the days of my life. I thank You and I praise You for what You have done and what You will do in my life. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
Now, if you don't have a church home find one that preaches the Holy Bible, the Truth. Get a Bible and read it. Pray to God!
God bless,
Vicky Conklin-Johnson