Topical Bible: Thankfulness: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Needs

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Topical Encyclopedia

Thankfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and expressing gratitude for the provision of our bodily needs. This gratitude is not merely a social nicety but a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God's sovereignty and benevolence in our lives.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently teaches that God is the ultimate provider of all our needs. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His followers to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), highlighting the dependence on God for daily sustenance. This prayer is not just a request but also an acknowledgment of God's role as the provider.

In Philippians 4:19, Paul reassures believers, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" . This promise underscores the belief that God is attentive to the physical needs of His people and is faithful to provide for them.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of thankfulness for God's provision. In Exodus 16, God provides manna from heaven to the Israelites in the wilderness, demonstrating His care for their physical needs. In response, Moses and the Israelites offer praise and thanksgiving to God for His miraculous provision.

The Psalms are replete with expressions of gratitude for God's provision. Psalm 136:25 declares, "He gives food to every creature. His loving devotion endures forever" . This verse not only acknowledges God's provision but also ties it to His enduring love and faithfulness.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself models thankfulness for God's provision. Before feeding the five thousand, He takes the loaves and fish, gives thanks, and distributes them to the people (John 6:11). This act of thanksgiving precedes the miracle, illustrating the importance of gratitude even before the need is fully met.

Paul, in his letters, frequently emphasizes the importance of thankfulness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he exhorts believers, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" . This instruction includes gratitude for the provision of physical needs, recognizing it as part of God's will.

Practical Application

Thankfulness for the supply of our bodily needs can be practiced in various ways. Regular prayer and expressions of gratitude, both privately and in community, help cultivate a heart of thankfulness. Mealtime prayers, often referred to as "saying grace," are a traditional practice that acknowledges God's provision and expresses gratitude for the food received.

Additionally, sharing resources with those in need is a tangible expression of thankfulness. By recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, believers are encouraged to be generous, reflecting God's provision to others.

Conclusion

Thankfulness for the supply of our bodily needs is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the recognition of God's provision and care. Through prayer, worship, and acts of generosity, believers are called to express gratitude for the daily sustenance provided by God.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 14:6,7
He that regards the day, regards it to the Lord; and he that regards not the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Timothy 4:3,4
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... It is far better to accept Christ as offered, than spend ... so well of you, that you
should assist him ... rejoicing, overflow thy heart with thankfulness, raise thee ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

Lives of Faith and Trust
... are full of thankfulness and praise about E. She is ... a cloudless sky at twelve o'clock,
he should like to ... was determined to sell it, and actually offered it at ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/lives of faith and trust.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... the exaltation or glorification of the body of Jesus Christ should make him ... in the
reconciling of us to God; or that his being offered for our sins shall ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... until then, nor could he tell why he should want to ... were tears of joy and gladness,
of gratitude and thankfulness. ... I offered him a share of mine, or the loan ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.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
... In your bodily and spiritual needs, in your sorrows, misfortunes ... Creator and Father
is holy; as Our Lady, the ... Mother." [741] In order that we should not doubt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Water of Life;
... But let it not be slighted because it is offered to thee upon ... called a river, to
show that it yields a continual supply, as I ... O how should Jesus be esteemed of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... 1. In his thankfulness for natural life. ... fallen upon others, but he counts of right
he should be swallowed ... if he can furnish himself, if he can supply his own ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.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

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... prefigure and promise; and that God did supply and send ... they came to judgment, the
judge should judge them ... forth our calling, and to yield thankfulness unto God ...
/.../english version of the second.htm