Six Biblical Models for a Thankful Heart

It’s expected of pastors to speak about being thankful on Thanksgiving, about the resurrection at Easter, and about the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Unless you have the brilliance of Spurgeon, you more than likely dread these days because you know that there’s nothing new under the sun. And so, we ask those who hear us, to allow us to repeat the great truths that each of these days represent, as we re-present them. 

It’s estimated that over 2900 people are mentioned by name in the Bible, but we will look at just five who exemplify a thankful heart. Then we will look at the No. 1 reason for every Christian to be ever thankful. 

1. Job is an outstanding example of a faithful soul

He lost everything, and yet he was able to keep his head above the water and say with (what seems to be) a heart of thanksgiving, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). 

2. King David is also a wonderful example of a heart that overflowed with thankfulness

God used him to gift us with Psalm 103. Look at how pregnant it is with thanksgiving: 

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5

3. In the Old Testament, Hannah’s story is one of thankfulness

When she was hopelessly barren, she fervently prayed for a child. And when God granted her request, and she gave birth to Samuel, she overflowed with thanks to God in prayer (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10).

4. Then, in the New Testament, there is Mary, the mother of Jesus

After learning that she would give birth to the Messiah, Mary had a heart and prayer very similar to that of Hannah. She said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).

5. There is, of course, the Samaritan leper, who didn’t forget to thank God for his healing.

Jesus healed 10 of them, and yet, only one returned to do the right thing (see Luke 17:11-19). What a lesson he is for us cleansed lepers. 

Each of these individuals are examples of a living faith, reminding us never to forget to be thankful to God when we are happy or sad, wealthy of poor, healthy or sick. But all this brings us to the No. 1 reason each of us should be thankful. It is the cross—the wellspring of our joy. 

6. In Matthew 11:25-26 Jesus thanked His Father for the greatest of enigmas—the hidden nature of the gospel: 

“At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.'”

What an amazing thing God has done through the foolishness of preaching. He has turned the tables on this arrogant world. He has hidden the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ from their proud eyes. Instead, He has granted everlasting life to “babes”—the poor in spirit and the humble of heart. The gift of God is eternal life through the despised One—Jesus Christ our Lord. And we know that it is amazing grace that saved sinful wretches like us from death and the terrible fate of Hell.

And so the wondrous cross is the No. 1 reason every Christian should be ever filled with a thankful heart, saying with Paul, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

©2023 Ray Comfort. Used with permission.