Thanks and Praise – November 21, 1999
The Psalms are filled with verses of thanksgiving and praise. In a repeated celebration of God’s goodness and mercy, the Psalmist connects these vital expressions: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name.”1 Thanks and praise fulfill a similar purpose. In thanks, we turn heavenward. In praise, we glorify God. We are lifted as we worship the Giver of all good gifts.
On occasion, however, we see only the shadows in front of us. But even shadows can be manifestations of God’s light and love.
Not long ago, a young mother felt herself burdened, even devastated, by a major family problem. All seemed dark and hopeless, without any chance of improvement. As she continued the daily tasks of life—got ready for the day, sent children off to school, and maintained the home—she began to feel grateful for small blessings. A baby’s coo, an armchair warmed by sunlight, a favorite song from a music box—each recalled a feeling of gratitude. As she paused to give thanks, she was able to pray with renewed faith. She recognized God’s hand in her life and felt to praise Him. Hope filled her soul.
What gives her—and each of us—access to such hope and peace? It begins as we open our hearts to the simple blessings of life. As we feel grateful and express thanks, we praise God. Sincere thanks and praise are inseparable from each other and from the hope and peace they bring.
Our problem or situation may not change, but we change as we shift our focus. By turning heavenward, we can see what’s right in our life and actually enjoy the blessings we have.
There is so much to thank God for, so much to praise His name for. As the Psalmist declares, “Let us sing unto the Lord. . . . Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”2
Program #3666
1. Psalm 100:4.
2. Psalm 95:1-2.