Benefits of Thanksgiving 1 Thes .5: 18 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

We are commanded to be thankful by the will of God.  One of the reasons is that thanksgiving is beneficial.  The benefits of thanksgiving follow.  

Thanksgiving yields contentment – you find that you don’t miss the things that you don’t have when you are truly grateful for all the things you do have.

Thanksgiving yields satisfaction – when you are thankful for what you have, you’re attitude about the things you have improves.  You appreciate those things much more.

Thanksgiving yields joy – when you consider how much you have to be thankful for you rejoice.  Thanksgiving puts a smile on your face.  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance [Prov 15:13].

Thanksgiving yields glory to God – 2 Cor 9:12-13 – when we are thankful, we acknowledge that all we have comes from him.

Thanksgiving yields strength against sin – Rom 1:21 – the main reason people get into the horrible sins of Rom 1:29-31 is that they are not thankful to God.  From this lack of gratitude comes the worship of nature, lies about God, vile affections, and a reprobate mind.

Conclusion: no matter what, be thankful.  Being thankful is one of the best things you can do for yourself.