Psalms of Thanksgiving

We owe God thanksgivings and praises for his goodness, love, mercy, grace and provisions in our lives. Psalm 118:1 - O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever. The followings are discussed: Thankful for God's forgiveness, Thankful for God's Compassion, and Thankful for God's Enduring Mercy.

Thankful for God's Forgiveness: The Psalmist recognized the ups and downs that characterized his life because of his sinful condition but later on appreciated God for forgiving and restoring his life after repentance. He understood that harbouring and living in sin would result in painful and sorrowful lifestyle (Psalm 32:1-5).

The Psalmist points out that God answers prayer of someone who has repented of sin, turned to God and living in obedience. God answers prayer of a person that has unhindered access to Him. Such person will approach God with confidence knowing that He would secure his life and provide for needs (Psalm 32:6-11). God wants peace of mind and good things for those who turn from their rebellious attitudes to life of righteousness and obedience.

Thankful for God's Compassion: The Psalmist appreciated God for responding to his situation. God met his needs and delivered him from troubles that could have caused moral failure and spiritual  death (Psalm 116: 1-11). He could have fallen for his limitations and deception of people, but was saved as a result of moving closer to God and having the experience of His faithfulness.

Psalmist asked a question about how to repay God for His benefits. Old Testament people would offer different types of  sacrifices and offerings to express gratitude to God for His goodness. They would even pay vows publicly to show their joy and disclose what God had done (Psalm 116:12-19). The Psalmist noted that whatever happens, even if it is something painful should not destroy relationship with God and the joy of serving Him. Christians have learned to present themselves as a living  sacrifice to God from the time Christ's sacrificial death had replaced burnt offerings.

Thankful for God's Enduring Mercy: Here the Psalmist appreciated God concerning proofs of His mercy. He revealed that God will uphold and see a person who depends upon Him through storms of life, even if such storms come as crises from a national leader (Psalm 118:1-21). The Psalmist also appreciated God for the promised Messiah that would come in His name. The One that would reveal His way and bring His salvation to the world. We should continue to appreciate God for His goodness in the past, the present and future provisions. Lesson texts: Psalm 32:1-211;  Psalm 116:1-19; Psalm 118:1-29.