Thanksgiving (2169) (eucharista from eú = well, + charizomai = to grant, give freely; English = Eucharist as related to Lord's Supper) is the expression of thanks or gratitude for favor and mercy shown. Thankfulness from one conscious of benefit received. See Related Studies on Thanksgiving: Giving Thanks = The Fruit of a Spirit Filled Saint (Eph 5:20) Exposition of 1Thessalonians 5:18 (1Th 5:18) Thanksgiving expresses what ought never to be absent from any of our devotions. We should always be ready to express our grateful acknowledgement of past mercies as distinguished form the earnest seeking of future mercies. It is notable that one the chief traits of unregenerate men is the absence of gratitude to God. Paul uses the related verb in Romans 1, explaining that.. even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks (eucharisteo); but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Ro 1:21-note) BDAG says it is the quality of being grateful, with implication of appropriate attitude, noting that it was an important component of Greco-Roman reciprocity; e.g., it is found in the copy of a letter written by the Emperor Claudius to a Gymnastic Club expressing his gratification at games performed in his honour. Eucharista was also common on ancient inscriptions. As John Piper asks How can we not be thankful when we owe everything to God? (A Godward Life) TDNT adds that The Greek world holds thanksgiving in high esteem. With the ordinary use we find a public use (gratitude to rulers) and a religious use (thanksgiving to the gods for blessings). Thanks are also a constituent part of letters. (Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Eerdmans) Eucharista is found 15 times in the NT (and only in Esther 8:12)... Acts 24:3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 1 Corinthians 14:16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the "Amen " at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Ephesians 5:4 (note) and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Colossians 2:7 (note) having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 4:2 (note) Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 1Thessalonians 3:9 (note) For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 1Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 1Timothy 4:3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; Revelation 4:9 (note) And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, Revelation 7:12 (note) saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen." Thanksgiving implies that the grateful person is in perfect submission to the will of God, however His will is manifest. Why? Because it is only when one is fully convinced that God is working all things together for good that he or she can really give God being truly thankful. Paul is cautioning against a whining, complaining, murmuring spirit which is really just an express one's lack of faith in God's goodness. James in the context of asking God for wisdom in trials writes that we are to ask in faith (in context belief in God's goodness and kindness even in trials) without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man (a man of two minds - hesitating, irresolute), unstable (uncertain, unreliable) in all his ways. (Js 1:6-8) Robertson adds that In all the forms of prayer here named thanksgiving should appear." Paul reiterates the importance of a thankful heart, exhorting the Colossians: Devote yourselves (earnestly, unwearied, steadfastly) to prayer, keeping alert (and intent) in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. (notes Colossians 4:2) Paul himself is an example of constant thanksgiving for all of his Epistles (except Galatians, 1Timothy, and Titus) open with thanksgiving. And how could the Philippians forget Paul's example in the dungeon at Philippi when at about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25). MacArthur explains that God’s promises support the reasonableness of saints always praying with thanksgiving irregardless of the circumstances for God has promised that no trial believers face will be too difficult for them to handle (1Co10:13). He has also promised to use everything that happens in believers’ lives for their ultimate good (Ro 8:28)...People become worried, anxious, and fearful because they do not trust in God’s wisdom, power, or goodness. They fear that God is not wise enough, strong enough, or good enough to prevent disaster. It may be that this sinful doubt is because their knowledge of Him is faulty, or that sin in their lives has crippled their faith. Thankful prayer brings release from fear and worry, because it affirms God’s sovereign control over every circumstance, and that His purpose is the believer’s good (cf Ge 50:20). Hawthorne in the Word Biblical Commentary writes that To begin by praising God for the fact that in this situation, as it is, He is so mightily God—such a beginning is the end of anxiety. To be anxious means that we ourselves suffer, ourselves groan, ourselves seek to see ahead. Thanksgiving means giving God the glory in everything, making room for him, casting our care on him, letting it be His care. The troubles that exercise us then cease to be hidden and bottled up. They are, so to speak, laid open to God, spread out before Him J Vernon McGee shares an admonition by Fenelon, one of the mystics of the Middle Ages, which seems to encompass what Paul meant when he said, “Pray about everything. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos) Hiebert writes that... The Christian should meet adverse circumstances of life not with a spirit of stoic resignation but with a spirit of unfailing gratitude. Paul and Silas had exemplified this spirit when imprisoned at Philippi (Acts 16:25). Such an attitude is made possible only by the grace of God. It can become a vital reality only when the truth of Ro 8:28-note is experienced. When we realize that God works all things out for good to those who love Him and are yielded to His will, thanksgiving under all circumstances becomes a glorious possibility "He who can say `Amen' to the will of God in his heart will be able to say 'Hallelujah' also."' It is typical of a life of unbelief that it lacks thanksgiving (Ro 1:21-note), but a life united with God in Christ Jesus is characterized by a spirit of thanksgiving (Hiebert, D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians: BMH Book. 1996) Barnes commenting on 1Thes 5:18 notes that believers... can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning. Chrysostom, once the archbishop of Constantinople, and then driven into exile, persecuted, and despised, died far away from all the splendours of the capital, and all the comforts and honours which he had enjoyed, uttering his favourite motto -- glory to God for all things. Bibliotheca Sacra, i. 700. So we may praise God for everything that happens to us under His government. A man owes a debt of obligation to Him for anything which will recall him from his wanderings, and which will prepare him for heaven. Are there any dealings of God towards men which do not contemplate such an end? Is a man ever made to drink the cup of affliction when no drop of mercy is intermingled? Is he ever visited with calamity which does not in some way contemplate his own temporal or eternal good? Could we see all, we should see that we are never placed in circumstances in which there is not much for which we should thank God. And when, in his dealings, a cloud seems to cover his face, let us remember the good things without number which we have received, and especially remember that we are in the world of redeeming love, and we shall find enough for which to be thankful. For this is the will of God. That is, that you should be grateful. This is what God is pleased to require you to perform in the name of the Lord Jesus. In the gift of that Saviour he has laid the foundation for that claim, and he requires that you should not be unmindful of the obligation. (cf Hebrews 13:15-note). (Barnes' Notes on the New Testament) J Vernon McGee writes that give thanks in everything means... in all circumstances, not just once a year, but all the time. This "is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." If you come to me and ask what is the will of God for you, I can tell you three specific things that are the will of God for you: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything. That is the will of God for you. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos) BBC wrote that even the... Pagans who recognized that Fate or some god was sovereign over everything acknowledged that one should accept whatever comes or even give thanks for it. For Paul, those who trust God’s sovereignty and love can give thanks in every situation. (Bible Background Commentary) Merrill Unger wrote that thanksgiving is... A duty of which gratitude is the grace. This obligation of godliness is acknowledged by the universal sentiment of mankind; but as a Christian grace it has some blessed peculiarities. It is gratitude for all the benefits of divine Providence, especially for the general and personal gifts of redemption. The very term most in use shows this; it is charis, which is the grace of God in Christ, operating in the soul of the believer as a principle and going back to Him in gratitude: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2Co 9:15). The ethical gratitude of Christianity connects every good gift and every perfect gift with the gift of Christ. Moreover, it is a thanksgiving that in the Christian economy, and in it alone, redounds to God for all things: in everything give thanks. This characteristic flows from the former. The rejoicing that we have in the Lord, and the everlasting consolation we possess in Him, makes every possible variety of divine dispensation a token for good. The Christian privilege is to find reason for gratitude in all things: “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians. 5:18). (Unger, M. F., Harrison, R. K., Vos, H. F., Barber, C. J., & Unger, M. F. The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Chicago: Moody Press) Fenelon who was admittedly a bit mystical gives some good advice regarding honest prayer: Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one’s heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend. Tell Him your troubles, that He may comfort you; tell Him your joys, that He may sober them; tell Him your longings, that He may purify them; tell Him your dislikes, that He may help you to conquer them; talk to Him of your temptations, that He may shield you from them; show Him the wounds of your heart, that He may heal them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability. Tell Him how self-love makes you unjust to others, how vanity tempts you to be insincere, how pride disguises you to yourself as to others. If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say. You will never exhaust the subject. It is continually being renewed. People who have no secrets from each other never want subjects of conversation. They do not weigh their words, for there is nothing to be held back; neither do they seek for something to say. They talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration, just what they think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God." McGee goes on to add that For many years I have carried this quotation in my Bible, and every now and then I take it out and read it. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos) Pentecost points out that Thanksgiving looks back to previous answers to prayer and gives thanks because God has worked in similar situations before. If there is something that is a burden to me today, I can go to God and remind Him that yesterday or last week or last month I was in the same situation, with the same gnawing anxiety, and I asked Him to do something, and He did it; so I thank Him for what He has done. Confidence for the future is based on what God has done in the past. If I go into the Word of God and find that some saint of God had the same burden that I bear today and God met their need, I can thank God that He met the needs of whomever it may be, and now I can expect God to do the same for me. To many people this seems bold. “Of course God worked for Moses, and David, and Paul,” they say. “Why shouldn’t He? Look who they were.” Do you realize that you have just as much claim on God as Moses or David or Paul or any of the saints had? God’s promise is to you as it was to them, and what He did for them He will do for you. That is what Paul is trying to share with us. We must take a place of utter dependence, present a specific need, give thanks for fulfillment of similar promises, and then present our requests to God. God’s command is, “Do not worry.” The solution: “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in the Lord.” The means by which we do it: “Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.” (Pentecost, J. D. The Joy of Living: A study of Philippians. Kregel Publications) (Bolding added) ><> ><> ><> Will Hansen writes on "The Answer to Anxiety" (Php 4:6,7) (Ref)... It has been estimated that there are more theories, and therefore more books, on the subject of anxiety than any other area in the entire field of medicine. While many try to dominate this field, no one has come up w/the answer...except God...the key is in these 2 verses... 1. THE FIRST KEY: YOU MUST HAVE A PRAYER LIFE. Php 4:6 a. Notice these two words: prayer and petitions. Prayer is addressing God...reverently...on face... Petition or supplication is making your requests known (to Him). it is telling Him what you need b. One of the greatest problems in the Ch today: Christians don't pray! We don't communicate with the God we claim to know...we teach we preach we sing, but we cant spare God 5 min. Until we learn to pray, truly pray, we WILL have anxieties...because prayer is where we get peace c. To have a prayer life, you MUST be comfortable in talking to God. This requires that you build a relationship w/Him (time) learn to trust Him (time) be consistent (time) KEY : TIME Spend time in His Word and talking to Him. Nothing will change until you do this... d. To have a prayer life, you MUST make your needs known to God. Not that He doesn't already know your needs...but this admission counters self-reliance. Much anxiety comes from the "I can do it myself" syndrome -or- "I don't need anyone's help." Oh yes you do!! 2. THE SECOND KEY: YOUR LIFE MUST BE FILLED WITH PRAISE. a. Praise is connected with prayer. The idea is: how can we address God without feeling the need to also praise Him? If we could see His face now, I guarantee you, you would praise Him over and over but we should be able to see enough of Him through our other senses to be filled with praise to Him! b. There is victory in praise! When we praise Him, we are taking our eyes off of ourselves and putting them fully on God...our hearts are overflowing with love and adoration towards Him! One of causes of anxiety is self pity...praising God cures that!! c. For you to have a life of praise, you may have to do some self-re-evaluation. Have the mercies of God become dull to you? Have you become spiritually spoiled? This is easy to do with all the conveniences we have today. But God deserves our praise! Your life will drastically change if and when you begin doing it! That is a promise from God! 3. NOTICE THIS WONDERFUL PROMISE: Read Php 4:7 a. Notice the peace OF God, not peace WITH God. Perfect peace is a promise, not a dream! b. Notice the word guard: an army (that protects from invasion) Understand this: God's peace will guard your heart and your mind like an army guards a country... You can have the peace of God inside of you no matter what is happening on the outside. ><> ><> ><> In his book FOLK PSALMS OF FAITH, Ray Stedman tells of an experience H. A. Ironside had in a crowded restaurant. Just as Ironside was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join him. Ironside invited his to have a seat. Then, as was his custom, Ironside bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the other man asked, "Do you have a headache?" Ironside replied, "No, I don't." The other man asked, "Well, is there something wrong with your food?" Ironside replied, "No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat." The man said, "Oh, you're one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don't have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!" Ironside said, "Yes, you're just like my dog. That's what he does too!" (Ray Stedman, Folk Psalms of Faith) ><> ><> ><> In a sermon at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, Gary Wilburn said: "In 1636, amid the darkness of the Thirty Years' War, a German pastor, Martin Rinkart, is said to have buried five thousand of his parishioners in one year, and average of fifteen a day. His parish was ravaged by war, death, and economic disaster. In the heart of that darkness, with the cries of fear outside his window, he sat down and wrote this table grace for his children: 'Now thank we all our God With heart and hands and voices Who wondrous things had done In whom His world rejoices. Who, from our mother's arms, Hath led us on our way With countless gifts of love And still is ours today Here was a man who knew thanksgiving comes from love of God, not from outward circumstances. 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