Things You Can’t Do When You’re Giving Thanks

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good…(Psalm 136:1)

In the Hebrew, this is written in the imperative.

Hmmm. You’re telling me this is a command?

Yup. This is a command. It’s not a suggestion. It’s not just a good idea. This is a command. “I COMMAND THEE…GIVE THANKS!” (read it in a deep thunderous voice)

Why would God command creatures he created to give thanks to Him?

Seems kinda pathetic…create a bunch of creatures and make them go around thanking you. “Thank you God”, “yeah, thanks God,” “gee, you’re awesome. Thank you God” (read it in a squeaky mousy voice)

What can this be about?

I want to suggest that God commands us to give thanks because giving thanks has more to do with making our lives better than it has to do with making God feel good.

I suggest that we are commanded to give thanks, for when we do our lives significantly improve.

You see, think about all the things you can’t do when you’re grateful. Think about all the things that are impossible to be when you are giving thanks.

When you are giving thanks:

• It’s impossible to be angry
• It’s impossible to be jealous
• It’s impossible to be sad
• It’s impossible to be critical
• It’s impossible to be cynical
• It’s impossible to hate
• It’s impossible to be fearful
• It’s impossible to fill in the blank

There are so many things that are simply impossible to do and be when you are giving thanks.

Now look at that list…wouldn’t your life be better without those things?

Wouldn’t our world be better without those things?

So who is the command for?

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!