Davidisms - Thanksgiving Demands a Direct Object

by David Chadwick

This week, I’ll share with you three truths to ponder as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday.

Here’s the first.

Thanksgiving demands a direct object. Grammatically, a direct object is a word or phrase that receives the action of the verb. For example, in the sentence, “I love Marilynn,” the direct object is Marilynn. She is the recipient of my love.

Who is the direct object of thanksgiving in the Bible?

It must be - can only be - God.

All we have comes from God. All of life is a gift. Everything we have - family, friends, talents, jobs, homes, beds, possessions - all of it is from the Creator of the universe.

Therefore, we thank God from whom all blessings flow. Because he and he alone is the source of all goodness, privilege, and blessings in our lives.

The Doxology, one of the great hymns of the faith, says it this way. “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”

As we give thanks to God for our blessings this Thanksgiving week, let’s remember why we do so.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).

God was, is and should always be the eternal recipient of our thanks.