How can we teach others to prioritize thanksgiving as Psalm 69:31 suggests? Grasping the Weight of Psalm 69:31 “And this will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with horns and hooves.” • In David’s day, an ox or bull represented the costliest sacrifice. • God Himself declares that heartfelt gratitude outranks even the most expensive offering. • Thanksgiving, therefore, is not optional garnish but a priority worship act that delights the Lord. Showing People Where Thanksgiving Fits in God’s Will • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances…for this is God’s will.” • Ephesians 5:20 — “Always giving thanks…for everything.” • Colossians 3:17 — “Whatever you do…do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks.” • Psalm 100:4 — “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” • Point out that Scripture repeatedly couples thanksgiving with obedience; to neglect it is to sidestep God’s revealed desire. Modeling Gratitude Before Teaching It • Let children or disciples hear you begin and end days with phrases like “Thank You, Lord, for…” • In conversation, redirect praise from self to God: “I’m grateful the Lord provided that.” • When trials hit, verbalize thanks for God’s sovereign purposes (Romans 8:28), showing that gratitude isn’t mood-based. Building Thanksgiving into Everyday Rhythms • Mealtimes: read a short psalm of thanks (Psalm 95:2) before praying. • Journaling: encourage recording three daily evidences of God’s kindness. • Corporate worship: insert a “thanksgiving testimony” slot where believers share answered prayers. • Family devotions: rotate letting each member thank God for one spiritual and one ordinary blessing. Teaching Through Scripture Memory • Assign verses that spotlight gratitude (Psalm 69:30; Hebrews 13:15). • Recite them together, then discuss one practical way to obey each day. Correcting the Sacrifice-First Mindset • Explain that Psalm 69:31 shifts focus from ritual to relationship; thanksgiving springs from knowing the Redeemer, not earning favor. • Contrast empty duty with joyous praise (Isaiah 1:11-15 vs. Psalm 50:14). • Emphasize that Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10) frees believers to bring “the sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). Celebrating Stories of Gratitude • Retell Luke 17:15-18—the lone leper who returned—and highlight Jesus’ approval of grateful hearts. • Share testimonies of modern believers whose thanksgiving in hardship has led others to faith. Encouraging Accountability • Pair students or group members to text one another a daily “thank-God moment.” • In small groups, review the week and ask, “Where did you see God’s goodness?” Equipping with Songs of Praise • Teach hymns and worship songs rooted in Psalm 69:30-31; singing cements truth and fosters unified gratitude. • Provide playlists for homes and cars so thanksgiving saturates the atmosphere. Highlighting Thanksgiving’s Transforming Power • Philippians 4:6-7 links thankful prayer with God’s peace. • Point out how gratitude reorients focus from self to Savior, from lack to provision, and from fear to faith. Calling for Ongoing Practice • Encourage starting every lesson, meeting, or ministry task with a brief round of thanks. • Remind learners that thanksgiving is not an event but a lifestyle—one that Psalm 69:31 says thrills the heart of God more than the grandest sacrifice. |
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