Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is an action—thanks giving.

Of course, everyone—saved and unsaved alike—has much to be thankful for. We all enjoy what Spurgeon called the “common mercies” of God. And most people try to practice gratitude.

But those of us who know the Lord know who we are grateful to. We don’t simply “give thanks”; we “give thanks unto the Lord for He is good” (Psalm 136:1).

So what do we give thanks to the Lord for? Everything. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

Because, however, it is difficult to genuinely give thanks for everything all at the same time, here is a simple acrostic of ten things we who know the Lord have reason to give Him thanks:

Grace: Every good thing in our lives is because of the grace of God. And it doesn’t end with salvation.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.—Ephesians 2:8–9

My grace is sufficient for thee…—2 Corinthians 12:9

Instruction: God leads us and guides us—personally and purposefully.

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.—Psalm 32:8

Verses: We can trace our growth and victories over this past year to the specific verses God used to give them to us.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:—2 Timothy 3:16

Eternal Life: Those who have the sure hope of Heaven have a profound reason to be thankful.

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;—Titus 1:2

Truth: We have a personal relationship with the One who is truth, and we have the truth of the written Word of God.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.—John 14:6

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.—John 17:17

Help: The challenges of life are often beyond our ability, but God has promised to help us.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.—Psalm 46:1

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.—Isaiah 41:10

Access: The God of the universe invites us to unlimited access to His throne—an access He purchased with His blood.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:15–16

Newness of Life: When we trusted Jesus as our Saviour, He gave us new life and an ability to walk in it.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.—2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.—Romans 6:4

Knowledge: The greatest knowledge that comes into any life is the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. After we are saved, God multiplies His good gifts of grace and peace as we grow in our knowledge of who He is.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord…—2 Peter 1:2

Sanctification: God doesn’t leave us to finish the work He began in our lives. He is committed to conforming us to the image of Christ.

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.—John 17:3

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:—Philippians 1:6

And so, we:

Grace
Instruction
Verses
Eternal life

Truth
Help
Access
Newness of life
Knowledge
Sanctification

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:—Psalm 103:1–2