The Bible is full of stories of thanksgiving. Today, we will reflect on some lessons from the Bible on Thanksgiving that show how thankfulness should be a part of a Christian’s life.
We should be thankful even for the simple things, not just for life’s big blessings. In everything, we must give thanks, recognizing that God is the giver of all good gifts in our lives, great or small (James 1:17).
Here are three lessons from the Bible on Thanksgiving
1. Praises by the Israelites When They Were Freed from Egypt
After Moses and the Israelites fled Egypt, they were pursued by the Egyptian army, which chased them toward the Red Sea. With no way to escape, the sea was before them, and their enemies were behind. But Almighty God made a way for them by parting the sea, allowing them to pass through on dry ground.
The Egyptian army followed, but God released the waters, drowning Pharaoh’s army.
Exodus 15 recounts the miraculous deliverance of the children of Israel from their enemies, and how Moses and the people praised God in thanksgiving for His protection.
2. Daniel’s Gratitude to the Lord
When King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that none of the wise men in his court could interpret, he angrily ordered their execution. When Daniel heard about this, he asked King Nebuchadnezzar for more time.
Daniel and his friends prayed earnestly, asking God to reveal the dream’s meaning. God answered their prayers, and Daniel was able to interpret the dream correctly.
The book of Daniel highlights how deeply grateful and thankful Daniel was to the Lord for answering his prayer.
3. The Thankful Leper
As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, He passed through a village where ten lepers lived. Because they were considered unclean, they stood at a distance but cried out to Him, begging for mercy. They knew who He was and believed in His power to heal them.
Jesus healed them and told them to go to the priest, who would officially declare them healed of their disease. After visiting the priest, all ten were pronounced clean of their leprosy.
However, only one of the ten returned to thank Jesus. He bowed at Jesus’ feet to show his gratitude. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” This story reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude to God for His blessings.
These stories from the Bible teach us the importance of having a heart of gratitude. Whether it’s praising God for His protection, thanking Him for answered prayers, or showing appreciation for His blessings, big or small, thankfulness should always be part of our lives.
As believers, let us remember to give thanks in all circumstances, recognizing that everything we have comes from God’s goodness and grace. A thankful heart not only honors God but also brings us closer to Him.