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The concept of thankfulness appears 73 times in the New Testament, and many more in the Old Testament. It is recorded that Jesus "gave thanks" at least seven times, for revealing eternal truths to "little children," (Matt 11:25), for providing the means to miraculously feed the 4000 and 5000 (Matt 15:36, John 6:11), for being heard by the Father at the raising of Lazarus (John 11:41-42), at the Passover meal (Luke 22:17-18) and when He shared the bread and wine with His disciples just before the crucifixion.
These things provide an outline for our own Thanksgiving gratitude. We are the "little children" to whom God reveals His Spirit, so that we can have an intimate relationship with Jesus. We are provided for in every way by the Lord, from food and drink to health and life-purpose. We are heard by our Father any time we pray, no matter what time of day or night, and He always listens and responds to our needs. We are joined with Jesus, like a vine and its branches, and are the recipients of His salvation. In good times and struggles, in everything, let us give thanks! "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) "Praise the LORD, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits -- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion." (Psalm 103:1-4)
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