Give Thanks

SERMON TITLE:   “Give Thanks!”
SERMON TEXT:    Psalm 107:1-9, 33-43
PREACHER:           Rev. Kim James
OCCASION:           November 19, 2017, at First UMC
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
                I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to ask, “Why?”  I’ve never liked it when someone tells me to do something without an explanation.  It’s not that I’m contrary.  I usually try to get along and do whatever is expected of me.  But, if I can understand why I should do something, it makes doing it so much easier.
                At Thanksgiving time, we’re reminded that we should give thanks, but little explanation is usually given to us about why we should do that.  Of course, we know that expressing gratitude is polite and usually makes other people feel good.  When we’re in a happy mood and have a desire to please others, good manners and kindness might be reasons enough to get us saying, “Thank you.”  But, just in case some troubles are causing us to feel less grateful this year, then we might want to look at giving thanks in a different way.  Not to say that we should be crass and self-centered, but it might help us to understand some ways in which being thankful helps us.  So, whether you’re already feeling the Thanksgiving spirit or you need some encouragement, I invite you to consider Psalm 107 with me this morning.  Let’s see what it says about why we should give thanks.

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