An interesting thing about this Psalm is that, as the recounting of God’s goodness continues, the writer repeats a statement four times (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31.) He says, “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!”
When we consider, as the Psalmist did, the many great and wonderful things God has done for us, then our thankfulness will be spontaneous. This is reflected in Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Let me share with you a poem that sums up the attitude of how we should be giving thanks - from the heart. It is by Helen Steiner Rice
Heartfelt Thanks
Take nothing for granted.
For whenever you do
The joy of enjoying
Is lessened for you—
For we rob our own lives
Much more than we know
When we fail to respond
Or in any way show
Our thanks for the blessings
That easily are ours…
The warmth of the sun,
The fragrance of flowers,
The beauty of twilight,
The freshness of dawn,
The coolness of dew
On a green velvet lawn.
The kind little deeds
So thoughtfully done,
The favors of friends
And the love that someone
Unselfishly gives us
In a myriad of ways,
Expecting no payment
And no words of praise—
Oh, great is our loss
When we no longer find
A thankful response
To things of this kind,
For the joy of enjoying
And the fullness of living
Are found in the heart
That is filled with thanksgiving.
Take nothing for granted.
For whenever you do
The joy of enjoying
Is lessened for you—
For we rob our own lives
Much more than we know
When we fail to respond
Or in any way show
Our thanks for the blessings
That easily are ours…
The warmth of the sun,
The fragrance of flowers,
The beauty of twilight,
The freshness of dawn,
The coolness of dew
On a green velvet lawn.
The kind little deeds
So thoughtfully done,
The favors of friends
And the love that someone
Unselfishly gives us
In a myriad of ways,
Expecting no payment
And no words of praise—
Oh, great is our loss
When we no longer find
A thankful response
To things of this kind,
For the joy of enjoying
And the fullness of living
Are found in the heart
That is filled with thanksgiving.
Of course, long ago, God’s book of poetry, Psalms gives much emphasis on the giving of thanks.
An anonymous person wrote, “A thankful heart speaks more eloquently than the most persuasive tongue.” However, that thankful heart should prompt us to give God thanks with the fruit of our lips as described in Revelation 7:12, “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
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