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
a) Every season of thanksgiving prepares us for greater glory
(Psalm 67:5–7) – Praise leads to increase and fruitfulness.
b) God lifts those who remember to thank Him
(Psalm 75:6–7) – Promotion comes from God.
c) It brings refreshing to our spirits
(Isaiah 61:3) – The garment of praise removes the spirit of heaviness.
d) Thanksgiving draws God’s manifest presence
(Psalm 22:3) – God inhabits the praises of His people.
Biblical Example: Jesus gave thanks at Lazarus’ tomb and a resurrection followed (John 11:41–44)
CONCLUSION:
Thanksgiving is more than a moment; it is a gateway. As we thank God today, we are not only reflecting on the past six months—we are also preparing for the remaining half of the year. The same God who brought us this far is well able to carry us through to the end. Our gratitude today is a statement of faith that He who began a good work will surely complete it. As we lift our voices in praise, we align ourselves with heaven’s agenda and invite divine acceleration into every area of our lives.
So, let your thanksgiving be intentional. Let it rise from the depths of your heart. Don’t hold back your praise—celebrate the One who held you together when everything around you seemed to fall apart. The year is not over, and your best days are still ahead. As we give God the glory due to Him today, get ready—because the second half of this year will bring restoration, elevation, and divine surprises in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I thank You for bringing me safely to the middle of the year.
2. Lord, thank You for the battles You fought for me, seen and unseen.
3. I return to give You all the glory for the blessings of the past six months.
4. I receive the grace to remain thankful always, in all things.
5. Father, let my thanksgiving provoke a new season of favour.
6. Let the remaining months of this year be filled with testimonies.
7. Lord, I thank You for health, provision, and divine help.
8. I cancel every plan of the enemy concerning the rest of the year.
