Read Psalm 92:1-4. 1It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. 4For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
It is GOOD to give thanks.
Not it is right to give thanks, or it is necessary to give thanks, or it is polite to give thanks, or it is required to give thanks. When it comes to the Lord it is good to give thanks. All day long, morning and night. And use music, lots of music.
The psalmist isn’t laying down a new law, this is not the eleventh commandment – thou shalt give thanks. Thankfulness isn’t meant to be burdensome, but joyful. Why? Because it is good. Not just a good idea or good for us (both are true), but good. Genesis 1 good – God saw that it was good. Thankfulness is what we are made for. It is the overflow of our humanity.
An unthankful person is not fully alive, not fully human.
What are we to be thankful for? The Lord’s work (singular) and then his works (plural). If you, like me, often struggle to be thankful, begin with the work (singular) of God. His salvation work. The work of Christ on the cross. This is God’s WORK. When you can’t see God at work in any specific area of your life, run back to the work of the cross, the work of your union with Christ. Your salvation. Start there. It is good to be thankful morning and night for the cross, for the empty tomb, for the gift of new life in Christ, for union with the Spirit.
If you can’t thank God for anything else today, thank him for salvation full and free. Thank him that to live is Christ.
Then move on to his works (plural). Open your eyes in faith to what Jesus is doing IN you today. The good works he has prepared for you. The works of grace and mercy that he is constantly performing in your life, if only you will allow your heart to see them.
You: Do you struggle to be thankful?
You in Christ: Why is your union with Christ something to be thankful for?
Christ in you: How might you express gratitude for your salvation today?
Pray: Father, thank you for the cross. Thank you for your indwelling life through your Son that gives me strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow. Amen.
To Live is Christ 