Thanksgiving - Part 3

The previous two posts have examined aspects of God for which to be thankful. The first post (Psalm 115) considered God's infinite superiority to idols; He is the true God who sees and hears His children and responds in power toward them. The second post (Psalm 36) considered God's vast superiority to mankind; the abundant excellence of God's character shapes His dealings with man. While these two psalms present merely a partial picture and limited reasons for thanking God, they illustrate that God is definitely worthy of thanks.

When one does determine to thank God, what does that look like? How can mankind begin to adequately express his thankfulness to such a great God? When one considers how much God has done for him, a simple "Thank You" seems so trivial. There must be a fuller and more effective way to give thanks. The psalmist of Psalm 116 examines this very question. He specifically recalls God's answered prayer and His deliverance, shaped by God's wonderful character, and the grateful psalmist asks, "What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?" (v. 12).

First, the psalmist determines to offer prayer. "I shall lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD" (v. 13). God has already answered prayers for this man. He remembers those answers and determines to continue praying to God. He will keep looking to God at all times, including future times of need. His dependence will be on God. It is actually a flattering response to be dependent on someone else, because dependence expresses confidence in the other's ability. It displays trust, acknowledgment, and admiration for the competence of the other person, in this case God, to properly and adequately respond to the needs.

Second, the psalmist determines to offer public service. "I shall pay my vows to the LORD, oh may it be in the presence of all His people" (v. 14, 18). His specific vows are not revealed, but this aspect is so important that he lists it twice. There are actions that the psalmist will do in the house of God. Perhaps those will be publicly spoken words. Perhaps they will be gifts rendered. Perhaps they will be acts of service. Whether in words, wealth, or works, this man is going to actively do something in a public setting that will express His thanks to God.

Third, the psalmist recognizes the value of an entire life of godliness. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones" (v. 15). When God receives one of His devoted saints in death, the event is special and precious to Him. What a wonderful gift then to give to God - a life dedicated to pursuing godliness. The psalmist understood that precious gift, and apparently determined to life in such a way that would bring God pleasure at the conclusion of his life. He wanted to give God that consistent godly life.

Fourth, the psalmist was devoted to a life of service to God. "O LORD, surely I am Your servant, I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid, You have loosed my bonds" (v. 16). His service was not to be a one-time response. Rather, he was giving his life to serve God. He willingly placed himself under bondage and viewed himself as a slave who owed his entire life to God. All his days were devoted to the God he loved.

Fifth, the psalmist anticipated giving thanks. "To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the LORD" (v. 17). For some reason, he called his thanksgiving a sacrifice. Perhaps he viewed it as a deliberate offering, similar to the animal sacrifices. Perhaps he realized it would be a sweet and savory expression. Perhaps he recognized that sometimes giving thanks is not easy. Regardless, it is hard to imagine this man sitting silently through a Thanksgiving service. On the contrary, this was a man who would regularly open his mouth to give thanks to God.

Sixth, the psalmist valued praise to the Lord. "In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!" (v. 19). Particularly in the place of worship, he would praise God, and he called on others to join him in praise. Based on the other intended demonstrations, it is likely that this man praised God wherever he went.

God does not act on behalf of His children so that He can receive prayer, service, godliness, thanks, and praise. God acts as He does because of His character. He is good and loving and compassionate. He is faithful and just and righteous. He is aware of the needs of His children, and He is powerful to meet those needs. God's character determines His actions, but it is right and appropriate for His children to respond to the blessings of God with devotion. They ought to be so thankful that they will express that thanks both with short-term acts of praise, thanks, and worship, as well as with long-term dedication, service, and godliness. Such a great God who does so much is worthy of all that one can give.