Psalms of Thanksgiving
What The Bible Says About Praise To God
It not Christmas! It is Thanksgiving! This world view has made merchandise of the Gospel and stolen the label Christmas. As soon as the Halloween candy is off the shelves, the stacking of Christmas items are stocked for sale to the average person who has bought the idea -- shopping early gets you the best deals. With little to no reminders, promotions or forethought, the heart of thanksgiving is pushed aside to indulge in a pagan observance of getting. Yes, many people love to give at Christmas, unfortunately, in their giving they have left out the reason for the season, Jesus Christ. The Book of Psalms sets the record straight in regard to honoring God.
There are six different Psalms which are called declarative praises. 1.) Praise for the Lord's strength. The Bible says "No king is saved by the size of his army... A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite its great strength it can not save. But the eyes of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope is in His unfailing love." (Psalm 33:16-18 2.) Praise for the Lord's Deliverance. "I have not hidden your deliverance... nor concealed your great love from the congregation." (Psalm 40:10) 3.) Praise for the Lord's Forgiveness. "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them..." (Psalm 32:1-2) 4.) Praise for the Lord's Goodness. "I will exalt you Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me." (Psalm 30:1) 5.) Praise for the Lord's Help. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me.. He set my feet on solid rock and gave me a firm place to stand..." (Psalm 40:1-2) and 6.) Praise for the Lord's Awesome Deeds. About the work of God, "Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind." (Psalm 66:5)
There are descriptive psalms which invite you to praise God, (Psalm 105) enjoy God's wisdom, (Psalm 127:1) teach the pilgrimage of the Lord's people, (Psalm 120-134) that praise God at His throne, (Psalm 103:19) which admonish our sons, (Psalm 34:11) teach how to bless the Lord, (Psalm 1:1) teach about the importance of the Word of God, (Psalm 119) which share about the contrast of the righteous and wicked, (Psalm 1:6; 49)
The Psalms are so key to the spiritual growth of God's people. The New Testament quotes the Book Psalms. Jesus referred to the Psalms many times in His teachings. The most popular teachings were Jesus gave reference to the Psalms are the Sermon on the Mount, the Last Supper, and at the cleansing of the temple. After Christ went to be with God, His Father, the Psalms played an important influence on Christian living and in the early New Testament Church, the Psalms being sung as a regular part of the song service. (Jeremiah, D. (1994). Ten burning questions from psalms: Study guide (p. 102). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
Are you praising God this Thanksgiving?
