Give Thanks: He Is Good

Psalm 107 is the thanksgiving song of people who almost did not make it. The psalmist lines up four portraits of trouble: wanderers lost in the wilderness with no city to dwell in, prisoners locked in darkness and chains, the sick brought low to the very gates of death, sailors tossed in a storm that melted their courage. Every one of them did the same thing. They cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. And after every rescue comes the same refrain: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

That is the pattern of the redeemed life. Trouble, crying out, deliverance, thanksgiving. Notice what is missing from the pattern. Nobody in Psalm 107 got delivered and then moved on to the next request. The rescue always ended in praise. Thanksgiving is not the garnish on the Christian life. It is the proof that you remember who brought you out.

Here is what the Holy Spirit wants you to see today. Praise is not just good manners toward God. The psalm says He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). When you thank Him, you are not just being polite. You are making room for His presence. The same Spirit who filled the upper room fills a thankful heart right now, and a thankful heart is a joyful heart, and a joyful heart is a strong heart. "The joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

So before the weekend pulls you in a hundred directions, stop and count. His mercy does not run out. It carried you through the week behind you, it met you this morning, and it will be waiting for you tonight. You are breathing. You are reading this. He is still good, and His mercy still endures. Forever means forever.

Name one thing He did for you this week. Say it out loud. Then give Him the thanks He is due.

Prayer: Father, I thank You before I ask You for anything. You are good, and Your mercy endures forever. You brought me out of trouble I could not escape on my own, and I refuse to forget it. Fill my heart with Your Spirit until gratitude overflows into praise. I give You thanks in Jesus' name, Amen.