IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD

Thankfulness is a major key to spiritual well-being. The thankful believer will be a fruitful believer.

The psalmist provides us today not only with an exhortation but a reason and a demonstration of how and why we should ‘give thanks’. New Testament teaching is just as demanding in relation to this exercise, Col. 1. 12; 3. 17; 4. 2. We ignore such exhortation at our peril.

His Person, ‘O most High’, v. 1, and His works, vv. 4, 5, are unchangeable reasons for us to offer continual thanksgiving to our God.

We need to start the day with praise, v. 2. The morning brings forth the light and we are filled with a renewed appreciation of His lovingkindness. The night imposes the darkness, and we anticipate His faithfulness.

This is not the mere pattern of outward acknowledgement required of us but a full-blooded, total celebration, employing our whole capacity to praise Him. It is to be ‘an instrument of ten strings’, v. 3. We are glad, and triumph on account of what He has been to us in the day, v. 4.

We cannot underestimate the preciousness of this continual stream of God-centred rejoicing to the heart of our God. From the larger proportion of men He has no such anthem. They are as the animals, unreceptive and unresponsive, v. 6. They flourish only to perish and be scattered. Ultimately they will be the objects of His just wrath, vv. 7-9.

How different are His purposes and His portion in us, His people - in you, as His child. He has given us to bring forth fruit even to our last day on earth. We are now linked with a God who has made it possible for us to enjoy victory, stability, sanctity and full fruitfulness throughout the whole of our lives.

Saint of God, have you lost the sense of joy and purpose that produces thanksgiving in your life? Then seek an anointing with ‘fresh oil’ (increase of strength), v. 10, and the exalting of your horn. You are here in order to show that the Lord is upright. He is your Rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him, v. 15.