Thanksgiving and praise seem to be the feet on which our faith walks. Nearly a hundred verses in the scripture refer to thanks or thanksgiving. More than two hundred refer to praise. And nearly two hundred tell us to "rejoice."
There seems to be a correlation between thanksgiving, praise and joy.
To give thanks, one must be aware of a debt of gratitude. How can we give thanks to the Lord for all that he has done for us? What could he possibly want or need from us? He is all powerful, all knowing, and present everywhere at all times. We are puny, self-absorbed, and limited in power and presence. The only things we could give him would be our love and obedience. He will not coerce these responses to his love for us.
As we thank him, we become more and more aware of his power, his might, his majesty, his magnificence, his holiness and his generosity toward us. Those attributes are the focus of our praise. And as we praise him, he fill us with joy.
The joy of the Lord truly is our strength. One cannot praise the Lord and remain unhappy.
Father, God,
Help us to remember your blessings toward us. Grant us grateful hearts that we may thank and praise you in purity. Let us rejoice in you, always.
Amen.