We NEED to THANK GOD more OFTEN!

 

June 22 Bible Reading: Psalms Chapters 105-110

We NEED to THANK GOD more OFTEN!

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." (Psalms 107:1-3)

This psalm begins the fifth and final section of the book of Psalms, and reviews God’s actions in the experiences of His people, using illustrations not found in the narrative of the Pentateuch. The psalm begins and concludes with appeals to trust in the “loyal love” of God. It begins with a call to give thanks to the Lord. Two reasons are given—the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever. Either reason would be more than enough cause for ceaseless gratitude!

God has ordained that His followers bear personal testimony to His redeeming grace (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:18–20). This mandate for personal testimony is part of the worship and praise due God from men. Verses 2 and 3 need not be taken as a reference to the Babylonian exile. They most likely refer to the fact that God’s people are viewed as collected from all worldly powers into their present position as His chosen people!

Whatever others may say of the Lord God and His mercy, those who have been redeemed out of the hand of the enemy have a peculiar song to sing for they have a peculiar redemption. The first verse implores us to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! God’s highest gift should awaken our deepest gratitude!

The whole reason for saying thanks is to let the giver of the gift know how much we appreciate something. Silent gratitude does not give the expected results and warmth in the heart of the giver, so silent gratitude is no good. When we feel appreciated, we verbalize it. Showing gratitude is important in both human and divine relationships. Jesus has died for us, and through His shed blood has forgiven our sins (Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 9:15). How much more we should give thanks to God throughout the day! We need to thank God more often!

"Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High" (Psalms 50:14)