As we begin our series that I’m calling “Dispositions of the Heart,” I want to remind you that this is not about a new set of commandments or something that we need to do per se, but it’s about the thoughts and attitudes that come from the hearts of those who are redeemed. And because Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, it’s only appropriate that we focus on the first “Disposition of the Heart” which is “Gratitude.”

Throughout the Book of Psalms, we find that on several occasions, the “songs” of the redeemed focused upon giving thanks. In fact, there is one particular Psalm that devoted all 26 verses to giving thanks to the LORD because of His love for His people as evidenced by what they had experienced throughout their history. Let’s check out just the first three verses of Psalm 136:

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of all gods, for His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1-3).

 The composer of this Psalm addressed God as “the LORD” (the name of YHWH); as “the God of all gods” (the One who is above all other so-called gods); and as “the Lord of all lords” (the One who is the sovereign Lord above all other so-called lords).

But also, the song writer focused upon the reason for giving thanks, and that is because they recognized that their God (and ours as well) is a God of love. Actually, the Hebrew word that is translated “love” is the word hesed, which is one of the richest words in the Old Testament. It is combination of the words that we translate as “love” and “kindness,” and in fact, some translations actually combine the two words rendering “lovingkindness.” The Psalmist recognized these amazing aspects of God’s character and brought them together in just one word, hesed.

And then, the Psalmist spent the next 22 verses reminding the Israelites of God’s “lovingkindness” extended to them throughout their history, from creation to their escape from Egypt, and from their entry into the Promised Land to God’s provision for all their needs. And then, as we arrive at the final verse of this Psalm, we find the words again,

“Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His love endures forever” (Ps. 136:26).

He is the God whose name is YHWH, the God above all gods, the Lord above all lords, and now, “the God of heaven.” Wow! And as the nation sung this psalm, they gave thanks not only for who God is and for what He had done, but also because “His lovingkindness endures forever.” And friends, the last time I checked, “forever” is quite a long time!

This Thanksgiving, let me encourage all of us to take some time to remember the God who redeemed us through His Son Jesus Christ and to give thanks to Him for His daily provision for our needs. And above all, let’s not forget to give thanks for His lovingkindness which endures forever, and ever.

I have just one more thought that I’d like to share from Psalm 92,

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD,. . . (Ps. 92:1).  

It is “good” to give thanks because it renews our spirits and enriches our souls. Therefore, giving thanks to the Lord should not be considered as a “responsibility,” but as a privilege for all that He has done and will continue to do in our lives. So, friends, at this Thanksgiving time, let’s remember to give thanks. And let’s remember that it is “good” for us to do so.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. God bless you.