Thanksgiving isn’t just a one-day observance. It’s an everyday lifestyle. And it’s sweet when we offer thanks without asking for anything.

Gratitude spills from the heart as we maintain an on-going conversation with the Lord. Throughout the day as he pours out his love and mercy, we respond with thanksgiving.

Or not.

I admit my thanksgiving often has been conditional, based on my experience. What’s happening in my life flavors my response to the Lord.

My thanksgiving often has been conditional, based on my experience. What’s happening in my life flavors my response to the Lord. Click To Tweet

I have no problem singing praise and giving thanks in favorable circumstances.

Stormy seasons distort my view and squash my gratefulness. I forget the Lord is still pouring out his love and mercy.

Reading the Psalms, I notice reasons to offer thanksgiving—and they have nothing to do with my circumstances.

“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most High” (Psalm 7:17 NIV).

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles 16:34).

“Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness” (Psalm 97:12).

“O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm 117:1-2).

I give thanks for his righteousness, goodness, mercy, holiness, kindness, and truth.

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High” (Psalm 92:1).

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3).

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30).

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30). Click To Tweet

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5).

“Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God” (Psalm 147:7).

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods…O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker” (Psalm 95:1-3).

Yes! Starting now!

Lord, I will give thanks and sing praises from the rising of the sun until it sets—and when I awake through the night. Praise will gush from my heart and mouth so others know of my love and gratitude. I will magnify you with thanksgiving.

Would you comment on a time when you offered praise and thanksgiving by faith? And please share this post with your friends!

© Dianne Barker 2018