Thanksgiving is More than a Holiday: Make Much of God

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30 ESV

The Bible notes praise and thanksgiving as two separate actions used to worship God. Generally, praise focuses on adoring God’s character, while thanksgiving features things God has done.

To praise God is to rave and celebrate who He is. In Psalm 69:30, the psalmist celebrates God through singing. The Old Testament includes numerous examples. Moses and his sister Miriam praised God in song after safely crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-21). Several New Testament praise songs are documented, including Revelation 4:11 and 5:9-14. Another is Mary’s song of praise, which starts in Luke 1:46. She rejoiced and magnified the Lord while pregnant with Jesus.

Praise and thanksgiving may be combined to emphasize His blessings, provision, and rescue from harm.

God knows the value of expressing thanksgiving, and even science supports the benefits of gratitude.

Depression, anxiety, despair, and hopelessness affect our energy levels and motivation. I know this firsthand, but I’ve learned that my thoughts impact my brain for health or disease. Research has shown that negative thoughts create blackened areas in the brain. These spots mean there is a lack of normal function. But scientists have also proven how adaptable our brains are. Consistent gratitude over time decreases the darkened parts, resulting in health and wholeness.

Thankfulness helps lower heart rates, strengthen good thoughts and feelings, and enhance motivational (want-to) emotions.

While gratitude benefits us, its primary value lies in pleasing and making much of God. Then, He is more significant to us than anything or anyone.

Highlighting God and His only Son, Jesus, takes the focus from us.

Heavenly Father, may we humble ourselves before You in all honor and devotion.

Karen Sims