Thanksgiving is drawing near for people in the USA. During this time, people often make a special effort to think of things for which to be thankful. It is a time of counting our blessings and remembering all that the Lord has done for us.
There were feasts of Thanksgiving in the Bible too. Perhaps the most remarkable of these can be found in the book of Nehemiah. How the people rejoiced when the wall around Jerusalem was completed. There was singing and great sacrifices, and feasting, and sending of portions to others. There was so much joy that the noise of their celebration was heard afar off. Everyone got to benefit in some way from the celebration, even those in prison as part of the praise procession stood still right in the prison gate. The account of this is found in chapter twelve and is very exciting to read.
Why do we praise God? Why do we give Him thanks? Let us take a look at the Bible and see what it says.
Psalm sixty-seven is a beautiful praise psalm to God. No author is given for this psalm. The introduction simply reads, “To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song.” This psalm starts right out at the very beginning asking for the mercy and blessing of God. “God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.” (Psalm 67:1)
Verse two tells why these people wanted God to bless them. It says, “That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.” When people see that God has shed His blessings upon His people and shone His face upon them, it reveals something about God to the surrounding nations. They see His care for His own, and they see that He has power to save.
The knowledge of God’s power to save, His care for His own, His mercy shown to His own, and His blessings bestowed upon them should bring forth praise from all people. “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.” (Psalm 67:3)
One day the blessings of God will be known over the whole earth. Jesus will reign and the earth will be judged in righteousness. This is something for which we should give thanks and much praise to God. “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.” (verse four) After describing how God will rule in righteousness, the psalmist again repeats, “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.” (verse five)
When Jesus shall rule and reign in righteousness, and there is singing and joy among the nations, and all the people are bringing praise to God, even more blessings will be poured out. “6) Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. 7) God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.” (verses six and seven)
So, let us consider today the ways that God has shown mercy to us and blessed us and saved us. Let us bring forth His praise so that His name is lifted up among the nations, among those who do not know Him. Perhaps He will be pleased to pour out upon us even more of His blessings.