Why Give Thanks???

Psalm 100:5 (NKJV) ⁵For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

The psalmist here returns to reasons why we should be thankful.  It all has to do with God and who He is!

The LORD is Jehovah the covenant God of Israel, He was known to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM”  (Ex. 3:14)  He is good.  There can be no wrong within Him or from Him.  He cannot sin, and there is no evil present within Him.

“God’s mercy is everlasting” - His mercy is His loyal love, His unfailing devotion based upon a prior covenant relationship.  This mercy is forever or for eternity, it will last an unlimited duration of time as we consider the future.

God’s “truth endures to all generations.”  This “truth” is often translated faithfulness, trustworthiness.  He is dependable both to individuals and His own holiness.

His dependability does not change based upon when I live.  He was faithful to my grandparents, my parents, to myself; and He will be faithful to my children as well.  Because God does not change He could be trusted by Israel when they went through the time of oppression by the Midianites.  He was faithful to believers that lived through the great depression. He will be faithful today to all who trust him and to every future generation.

Because God’s love and faithfulness are never ending we have the opportunity to bring unceasing praise to the LORD! Yet, how often when asked what we are thankful for and given the opportunity to share a testimony of praise do we sit silent?

In the hymn He Giveth More Grace which was written by Annie Johnson Flint we are reminded of God’s unending grace.   “His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power has no boundary known unto men.  For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!”

Similarly, Fredirick M. Lehman  challenged us in The LOVE OF GOD  by writing, “Could we with ink the oceans fill And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole Though stretched from Sky to sky.”

As we get more of a glimpse of God’s goodness, mercy, and faithfulness we should be ever ready to lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving for whom He is and what He has done and what He will continue to do in our lives.

I hope that after being reminded of God’s character in these areas that you will take the time to join me in thanksgiving and praise.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/churchoflittleton  FW # 42