“Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17 (AMP)
The Christian life is one of absolute dependence on God. Without Him, we can do nothing. Jesus made this truth plain when He said, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing” (John 15:5 AMP). Just as a branch cannot survive or bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot live, thrive, or fulfill our God-given purpose apart from Jesus Christ.
Yet, as we depend on Him, the Word also calls us to a life of gratitude. Thanksgiving is not just an expression of appreciation but a recognition of God’s sovereign hand in all things. From the Old Testament to the New, the Scriptures anchor us in this dual calling: to rely on God fully and to give thanks always.
Dependence on God: Our Only Source of Strength
The Scriptures consistently teach that human strength and effort alone are insufficient. We are commanded to lean on God and not on our understanding.
• “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 AMP).
• “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the rock and strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26 AMP).
Dependence on God is not a sign of weakness but an act of faith. It is an acknowledgment that “the Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts [with unwavering confidence] in Him, and I am helped” (Psalm 28:7 AMP). Everything we do—whether speaking, acting, or thinking—must be done in His power, for His glory, and in submission to His will.
Thankfulness: A Command Rooted in God’s Character
The Bible is clear: we are to give thanks in all things and at all times. This is not a suggestion but a command.
• “In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP).
• “Let us come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with songs” (Psalm 95:2 AMP).
Thankfulness is not dependent on our circumstances but on God’s unchanging character. He is good, faithful, and merciful. As Psalm 107:1 declares, “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness endures forever!”
Thanking Him in Every Season
The Bible is filled with examples of people giving thanks to God in every season of life:
• In victory – David proclaimed, “Therefore I will give thanks and praise You, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to Your name” (Psalm 18:49 AMP).
• In trials – Job declared, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21 AMP).
• In worship – Paul wrote, “Through Him [therefore] let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name” (Hebrews 13:15 AMP).
Even in the heavenly realms, thanksgiving is central to worship. Revelation 4:9 describes how the living creatures in heaven “give glory and honor and thanksgiving to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever.”
Why We Depend on Him and Thank Him
1. He is the Source of All Good Things – “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer]” (James 1:17 AMP).
2. His Mercy Endures Forever – “For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations” (Psalm 100:5 AMP).
3. He Fulfills His Promises – “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV).
Practical Steps to Depend on and Thank God
• Pray without ceasing – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2 NIV).
• Offer sacrifices of thanksgiving – “He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me” (Psalm 50:23 AMP).
• Live with gratitude daily – “And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17 AMP).
A Life Anchored in the Word
Dependence on God and thanksgiving to Him are not isolated practices; they are intertwined, creating a life anchored in His Word. As we press into Him daily, we recognize our complete need for Him and grow in gratitude for His unchanging love and provision.
A Prayer of Dependence and Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father, we come to You with hearts full of gratitude, acknowledging that without You, we can do nothing. Thank You for being our strength, our shield, and our source of life. Teach us to lean on You fully and to trust in Your faithfulness in every circumstance. Help us to live each day in gratitude, recognizing Your goodness and mercy that endure forever. May we honor You in all we say and do, offering our lives as living sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.