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Midyear Thanksgiving: Celebrating The Faithfulness Of God
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 28, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Mid-year thanksgiving is a spiritual discipline and an expression of humility, acknowledging that without God, we could have done nothing.
MIDYEAR THANKSGIVING: CELEBRATING THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Psalm 103:1-5
Supporting Texts: Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 124:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Deuteronomy 8:10-18
INTRODUCTION:
As we stand at the midpoint of the year, it is fitting and wise to pause and reflect on the journey so far. Many began this year but are no longer here. We are not gathered because we are better, stronger, or more righteous—it is purely the mercy and faithfulness of God that has kept us. Mid-year thanksgiving is a spiritual discipline and an expression of humility, acknowledging that without God, we could have done nothing.
We have come to a significant milestone in the year—six months gone, and six months ahead. Standing at this midpoint is not just a marker of time, but a call to reflection. Many started this year with dreams, plans, and resolutions, yet not everyone has been able to witness this moment. The fact that we are alive, healthy, and gathered in God’s presence is enough reason to lift up our voices in thanksgiving. Our gathering today is not out of routine or obligation, but in deep appreciation for the God who has sustained us.
Thanksgiving is not merely a reaction to blessings; it is a lifestyle and a spiritual principle. Gratitude is the seed for more. When we thank God for what He has done, we position ourselves to receive what He is yet to do. Ingratitude shuts the door of divine intervention, but a thankful heart opens heavens. As we pause to give thanks this mid-year, we are acknowledging that God—not our skill, effort, or connections—is the true source of every success and survival we have experienced.
The Psalmist declared, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." (Psalm 103:2). This is a divine instruction—because humans have a tendency to forget quickly. If we fail to count our blessings, we may start to complain unnecessarily. But today, we deliberately remember God’s mercies, preservation, provisions, healing, and favour. He has been faithful—even when we were faithless. And that is why this service is a celebration: not of ourselves, but of the goodness and faithfulness of our God.
1. GOD DESERVES OUR PRAISE
a) God’s goodness is evident in our preservation
(Psalm 103:2) – We are not to forget His benefits. His mercies are new every morning.
b) He has forgiven, healed, and crowned us with lovingkindness
(Psalm 103:3–4) – The Lord has not dealt with us according to our sins.
c) God’s provision has sustained us
(Deuteronomy 8:10) – Every meal, every breakthrough, and every promotion came from Him.
d) The breath in our nostrils is a gift from God
(Psalm 150:6) – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Biblical Example: David danced and praised God publicly for His faithfulness (2 Samuel 6:14)
2. THANKSGIVING SECURES OUR CONTINUED BLESSINGS
a) Gratitude invites more from God
(Luke 17:15–19) – Only one leper returned to give thanks, and he was made whole.
b) Thanksgiving shows spiritual maturity
(1 Thessalonians 5:18) – Giving thanks in all circumstances is the will of God.
c) It activates the multiplication of blessings
(John 6:11) – Jesus gave thanks before multiplying the loaves and fishes.
d) Ingratitude can shut the door of blessings
(Malachi 2:2) – If we do not give glory to God, blessings can be reversed.
Biblical Example: Solomon gave a thousand burnt offerings, and God visited him in a dream (1 Kings 3:4–5)
3. THANKSGIVING IS A WEAPON OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE
a) It confuses the enemy
(2 Chronicles 20:22) – When they began to sing and praise, God set ambushments against their enemies.
b) Praise invites divine intervention
(Acts 16:25–26) – Paul and Silas sang praises, and the prison doors opened.
c) Gratitude is a demonstration of faith
(Hebrews 13:15) – The sacrifice of praise is an act of trusting God.
d) Thanking God before the battle is a sign of confidence
(Joshua 6:20) – They shouted (praised) before the walls of Jericho fell.
Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the Lord, and God gave them victory (2 Chronicles 20:21–22)
4. THANKSGIVING PRESERVES THE BLESSINGS ALREADY GIVEN
a) What you thank God for, you do not lose
(John 6:12) – Jesus instructed the disciples to gather the fragments, nothing wasted.
b) Thanksgiving seals answered prayers
(Philippians 4:6–7) – Prayers mixed with thanksgiving bring peace and assurance.
c) It keeps pride away from our hearts
(Deuteronomy 8:17–18) – We must not think our strength brought us this far.
d) Thankfulness helps us to stay focused on God’s hand, not our effort
(1 Corinthians 4:7) – What do you have that you did not receive?
Biblical Example: The woman with the alabaster box showed gratitude and Jesus declared her remembered forever (Luke 7:37–38; 47–50)
5. THANKSGIVING POSITIONS US FOR THE NEXT LEVEL