“Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭22

The sacrifice of thanksgiving is mentioned at least eight times in scripture. Three times in Leviticus 7:11-15. The sacrifice of thanksgiving was not a separate offering but was connected to the peace offering (v. 12). The peace offering pictures how Christ satisfied the wrath of God against sin and made peace between God and every sinner who trusts in Jesus Christ, allowing us to have fellowship with God. It also pictures the inner peace we have through this fellowship—“the peace of God, which passes all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). Notice in Philippians 4:5–7 what is closely connected to enjoying the peace of God: thanksgiving (v. 6). When my heart is in tune with the Father and I am enjoying fellowship with Him, my heart will be thankful to Him.

I am reminded of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. David wanted to show kindness to him, and Mephibosheth sat at the king’s table. In 2 Samuel 9 we see that this fellowship was continual (vv. 7, 13), constant (v. 10), and “as one of the king’s sons” (v. 11). He never had to wonder whether he belonged there—he had been brought into that fellowship by grace, and peace flooded his heart. I am sure that every time Mephibosheth sat at the king’s table, with his lame feet hidden beneath it, his heart was filled with thanksgiving. We can almost hear it in his words to the king: “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?” (2 Sam. 9:8).

I would suggest that our enjoyment of peace is connected to our attitude of gratitude. Colossians 3:15 tells us to “let the peace of God rule in your hearts… and be thankful.” We cannot have this peace apart from a thankful heart. When we complain and grumble—being occupied with what we don’t have or what we think we should have—our inner peace is affected, and we overlook the blessings we do have. Being thankful is a prerequisite to enjoying peace.

Anchor For Today
Rest in the peace that Christ has established for you with God and let the peace of God rule your heart…and be thankful.