Thankfulness, a central theme in the Christian faith, is the expression of gratitude towards God for His manifold blessings and His abiding presence. The nearness of God's presence is a profound reason for believers to offer thankfulness, as it signifies His intimate involvement in the lives of His people, providing comfort, guidance, and assurance.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of recognizing and being grateful for God's presence. In Psalm 145:18, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth" . This verse underscores the accessibility of God to those who earnestly seek Him, inviting believers to respond with gratitude for His readiness to be near.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in all circumstances, recognizing God's constant presence. Philippians 4:5-6 states, "Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" . Here, Paul links the nearness of the Lord with a call to prayer and thanksgiving, suggesting that awareness of God's presence should naturally lead to a heart of gratitude.

Theological Significance

The nearness of God's presence is not merely a comforting thought but a theological truth that has profound implications for the believer's life. God's presence signifies His covenantal faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle and later the temple were physical manifestations of God's presence among the Israelites, prompting them to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.

In the New Covenant, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God's presence is even more intimately experienced by believers. Jesus promised His disciples in Matthew 28:20, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" . This assurance of Christ's continual presence is a source of deep thankfulness, as it affirms that believers are never alone, regardless of their circumstances.

Practical Expressions of Thankfulness

Thankfulness for God's nearness can be expressed in various ways, both individually and corporately. In personal devotion, believers are encouraged to cultivate a habit of gratitude through prayer and meditation on Scripture. The Psalms, in particular, offer rich language for expressing thankfulness for God's presence, as seen in Psalm 16:11, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" .

In corporate worship, the gathered church offers collective expressions of thankfulness through hymns, prayers, and testimonies. The act of coming together as a community of faith serves as a reminder of God's promise to be present where two or three are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20).

Conclusion

The nearness of God's presence is a profound and enduring reason for thankfulness. As believers acknowledge and celebrate this divine reality, they are drawn into deeper communion with God, experiencing the peace and joy that flow from His abiding presence.Psalm 75:1
To you, O God, do we give thanks, to you do we give thanks: for that your name is near your wondrous works declare.
Nave's Topical Index

Ebenezer!
... place of revival should be the place of gracious thankfulness. ... look back upon the
past they should renew their ... not know that the lamb was offered according to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Charms (see [909]Amulets) , offered in sickness, [910 ... as pleasing them, [1387]332;
should keep sons ... produced by remembrance of God's presence everywhere, [1406 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... rule, burnt offering was only to be offered there ... all the pores of our body made
mouths of thankfulness. ... his work"that body, soul, and spirit should be thrown ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

Book I.
... for he was convinced that the payment of thankfulness to God ... what he gave to the
poor he offered to God ... to have perished for ever; that they should never cease ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book i.htm

section second.
... scrupulous fears about partaking of meats offered to idols ... situation enough that
calls for thankfulness to God ... in the requirement, that they should give thanks ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

Lives of Faith and Trust
... morning, noon and night prayer has been offered to send ... are full of thankfulness
and praise about E. She is ... put away the board and said she should never lie ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/lives of faith and trust.htm

Prayers Answered
... prayer, such prayer as is not frequently offered, the silent ... her letter, and with
tears of thankfulness perused this ... My heart is full, that God should so answer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

part ii
... love and obedience to Him; likewise in the presence of our ... holy; as Our Lady, the
Mother of God, and your ... Thy Mother." [741] In order that we should not doubt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
... then, further, +being found+, as He offered Himself to ... will that we too, as His,
should form our ... his longings for encouragement, and his thankfulness that an ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iv the christians peace.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... the meeting more for the feeling of thankfulness that pervaded ... would grow better,
and that I should, at least ... the least solicitation on my part, offered a much ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Why is giving thanks to God important? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.org

Thankfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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