It’s great to have a holiday centered on giving thanks, but really, the practice should be part of our daily lives! Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” The Hebrew word for “thanks” in Psalm 100 means to speak out or confess, expressing thanks and praise to God. You see, it’s not enough just to have thanks in your heart; true thanksgiving requires expression. There’s a difference in having thanks and giving thanks! We must speak out the thanks that is in our hearts. I once heard a minister explain this principle very well when he said, “Thanksgiving is not thanksgiving until thanks is given.” Most Christians are thankful for what God has done and for who He is. However, let’s not forget to GIVE that thanks to the Lord.

As we are faithful to live lifestyles of thanksgiving, we open the doors to the full manifestation of God’s glory in our lives. Psalm 50:23 offers incredible insight into the power of thanksgiving. “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” What an awesome scripture! The word translated “salvation” involves more than just believing in God. The word meaning actually includes the ideas of liberty, deliverance, help, freedom, welfare, prosperity, and victory. So, by giving thanks today and every day, you are paving the way for a life of victory! Happy Thanksgiving!