Thank You Lord for Your Great Works for Your People

God’s people are called to be thankful. We see this beautiful attitude in the song of thanksgiving sung when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to the tabernacle in the City of David (1 Chronicles 16).

The song opens with praise for the incredible works God has performed for His people throughout history:

Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brothers.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Israel his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! — 1 Chronicles 16:7-13 (ESV)

Blessings on Israel

The ancient Israelites had many reasons to be thankful. God formed their nation, delivered them from the bondage (slavery) of Egypt, gave them a perfect law, and settled them in the Promised Land.

Giving thanks to God means actively remembering the great things He has done. The Israelites were commanded to pass these stories down to their children and share them with one another. As Deuteronomy 3:24 notes, there is no one like our God, who performs mighty acts of power.

Blessings on the Church

In Ephesians 1:15-23, the apostle Paul recounts the greatness of God shown through Jesus Christ. Just like ancient Israel, Christians have received incredible blessings.

We have been delivered from the bondage (slavery) of sin. We have been promised “an inheritance incorruptible [imperishable] and undefiled that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”

God has defeated our greatest enemy and promised us victory over death. He has also given us the gospel to show us how to live.

God’s children should share these wondrous works with one another for edification (spiritual encouragement and growth) and with non-Christians for evangelism (sharing the good news of Jesus).

Take a few minutes to read this short Psalm of praise: Psalm 111. Meditate on the blessings you have received, and offer prayers of thanksgiving to God for His great works today.