“Give Thanks”
Memory Verse for November is Psalm 30:4
“Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his,
and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”
As we enter into the month of November, the subject of Thanksgiving passes through all of our minds. While that thought may be of a table spread with all our favorite fixings or spending a few days with family, God’s Word over and over again tells us that Thanksgiving should be focused on the Lord.
We are taught in the Scriptures that every good gift comes from above (James 1:17) and as we consider all that we are thankful for in our lives – these thoughts of gratitude should bring our attention to the Lord. Our attention should also be on our outward showing of gratitude. This is what we understand to be giving thanks.
In our memory verse for the month of November we find David, the Shepherd King, singing unto His Lord and encouraging others to sing unto the Lord. This is all in an act of showing gratitude to the Lord. What is so unique about this verse is what the Psalmist declares they are to be thankful for – the holiness of the Lord!
Usually when we think of giving thanks we are thanking the Lord for some deed He has done in our life, or for some gift that He has given and especially for the people that we love – but when was the last time you or I gave thanks to the Lord for being holy? For that matter, when was the last time that we thanked the Lord for being who He was – our amazing Savior?
As we journey through this month many of us will be sharing on social media what we are thankful for that day – but what if we took that wonderful idea and we began to examine the Lord and give thanks for the character and attributes that make Him who He is as our Lord and God?
Two thoughts I have as I read this passage –
First, lets find ways that are sincere and unique to us to show our gratitude unto the Lord. We know David was a musician and singer – it was natural for him to give thanks this way. What about us who aren’t singers or musicians – those of us who make a “joyful noise” in the shower or with the car windows rolled up? We all can give thanks in unique ways that are sincere and expresses our gratitude unto the Lord. If you are a writer – write unto the Lord your thanksgiving. If you are a builder – build something that shows your gratitude. If you are blessed finically – give a special gift and let all the credit go to The Lord. If we would think for a few moments I am confident we all could find a sincere and unique way to show our gratitude.
The second thing that I see in this passage is the cause of giving thanks. Yes, absolutely give thanks for the people, the things, the provision that The Lord has graciously poured into our lives. Let’s also meditate a little deeper on Him and find something unique about The Lord that stands out to us – and give thanks and praise for that special characteristic or those characteristics. For David in Psalm 30:4 he was moved by the Holiness of God. What is it about God that moves you? His love (John 3:16) His forgiveness (I John 1:9) His long-suffering (Psalm 86:15?) There are honestly so many things that make up the character of God that we should praise Him for and give thanks for. We are blessed to be loved and shown such grace by Jesus.
I encourage you – memorize Psalm 30:4 with us this month and take time in your own special and unique way to show your gratitude unto the Lord.