by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: Contemplating the wonders of God's creation, our hearts should be filled with thanksgiving and praise (Ps. 148:1-14).
Not only is thankfulness required of God's people, it brings abundant blessings. In the song "Let All Things Now Living," Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs # 27, the author speaks of the wonderful marvels of God that deserve our awe and reverence. He created the heavens and the earth and all beings that inhabit the world. In 1 Chronicles 16:8-12, we are admonished to thank the Lord and tell others of His great wonders. Seeking the Lord and His strength, we enjoy gladness of heart. God's marvels and judgments lead us to glory in His name.
Since He is the Potter and we are the clay, He deserves to mold our lives. We are the work of His hand (Isa. 64:8). We are His workmanship created to walk in good works (Eph. 2:10). Through His word, we are guided to a proper understanding of good deeds. As our lives are ordered aright by His word, we become living sacrifices of thanksgiving (Ps. 50:23). Through honoring Him, we will be shown the salvation of God.
We can be thankful that God directs our path. The Lord sets a victory banner before those who fear Him (Ps. 20:5; 60:4). Like Moses, we can remember, "The Lord is My Banner," as we struggle through the battles of life (Exod. 17:15). He is our light—a cloud by day and a fire by night—that leads the faithful remnant. The canopy over His glory will be to us a shelter, a refuge, and protection from the storm (Isa. 4:5,6). The unbelieving live in the shadow of darkness and perish, because they do not see the light of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). In contrast, Jesus, the Light of the world, banishes darkness and gives the light of life to all believers (John 8:12).
God, who created the universe and all things living, shines forth as the One who alone does great wonders. He set in motion the laws that govern the sun to rule the day, and the moon and stars to rule the night (Ps. 136:4-9). These heavenly bodies declare the glory of God, and are as marvelous as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber. The sun bursts forth into glorious day (Ps. 19:1-6). The beauty of God's creation—hills, mountains, rivers, and oceans—evidences His eternal power and divine nature, so that man is without excuse (Rom. 1:20,21). How can we ignore the awesomeness of our Lord? He deserves our honor, sincere thanks, and devotion.
Thanksgiving should be expressed in worship and song. We "enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" as we assemble to bless His name and learn more of His lovingkindness and faithfulness. He is our one true God who made us and shepherds His sheep (Ps. 100:1-5). Our gratitude is evidenced by our acceptable service with reverence and fear (Heb. 12:28).
Through joyful song, we express our trust in Him who is our strength, shield, and helper in time of need. Our hearts should exult in thanksgiving (Ps. 28:7; 95:2). Singing with thankfulness in our hearts to God, we let the word of Christ dwell in us, teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom (Col. 3:16).
United with all creation, we should praise the name of the exalted Lord (Ps. 148:1-14). Before the world began, He had a plan for man—that through His Son all humanity could be saved (Eph. 1:3-6). Therefore, let us proclaim with adoration and thanksgiving, "Hosanna and Praise!"
Author Bio:
Sherelyn is the wife of Mark Mayberry, who labors with the Adoue Street congregation in Alvin, TX as an evangelist and elder. She can be reached at sherelynmayberry@live.com.
