Devotion 12/7, Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
1 Chronicles 16:8

In verses 8-36, David and the Israelites are singing their thanksgiving and praise to God. They are opening their mouths and joyfully extolling the greatness, mercy, and protection of their Lord God. They are giving thanks in His Holy name and shouting that He is from everlasting to everlasting!

Can you imagine what a scene this must have been? How it made the heart of God glad to see His chosen ones singing to Him and thanking Him from the bottom of their hearts for all that He had accomplished for them out of love and mercy? And they were even naming individual acts that God had done to rescue them, they were specific in their thankfulness.

We know from many places in Scripture that God loves a thankful heart. But do we get specific in our thanks to Him? Oh that we would be as specific in our thanks as we are in our requests to God. We are very careful to point out specifics in our prayers and petitions before God, so why not in thanks for all the things throughout our day that He has done for us?

Giving thanks is more than being thankful to God, it is letting others know of his gracious works so they too can come to know him as Father, Redeemer, and Victorious Lord. Then others can join their voices with our own in a chorus of thanksgiving from the hearts those God’s love has redeemed.

It warms my heart so, that when we sing in our church, people are making a joyful noise to the Lord! Our church family isn’t just singing, but they are singing from their hearts grateful for His presence in our lives.

Holy God, bless all those who serve you in difficult places today. I especially am thankful for all the missionaries in other cultures sharing the grace of Jesus with people who need to know you as Abba Father. Empower their words, protect their lives and families, and bless their efforts with fruit. Please help me to understand that true thankfulness involves sharing your grace with others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I’ve been at churches that use this song during offering and special occasions but it’s also a great song when you idle down at the end of the day to add to your evening prayer. Oh so blessed we are for all He has done for us. Humble and grateful hearts are parts of a good foundation of our faith.
Lord, I seek to serve You, to share your Word and to sow your seed to grow your kingdom. Thank you for Your grace, love and mercy for my soul. In your name in pray, Amen.
https://youtu.be/X9-PxeNrd9c