Giving Thanks - Building Up

"It's interesting that there is no word in Hebrew for "to give thanks." The word (yadah) behind our English translations means to praise or to give public acknowledgement; to tell others what God has done. If someone did you a favor or provided a blessing, instead of saying "thank you" you would respond by saying, "I'm going to declare your name to others. I'm going to praise your kindness and generosity and thoughtfulness to everyone I see." That's what thanksgiving or gratitude was in the Old Testament." ~ Sam Storms

I thought this was a really interesting comment on thankfulness. Thankfulness overflows and affects other people. It is contagious. Thankfulness builds others up, builds their reputation, builds relationships.

Sadly, we are more familiar with gossip and tearing down than we are with thankfulness. Thankfulness feels awkward to me. It battles my natural tendency toward selfish pride. It tastes funny in my mouth; it is not a well-known flavour. I'm far more used to the bitter taste of thanklessness!

Yet God works in me. He shows me how frail and needy I am. He provides me with wonderful friends and family who selflessly give. He reminds me of Christ, Who gave everything - everything! - for my sake, and I am shamed into repentance. The more I dwell on Christ, the more thankfulness grows in me, gaining a hold, overpowering the desire to tear down and destroy, overwhelming pride. The more I look on Christ, the more I wish to imitate Him in giving without a thought for repayment. The more I think about Christ, the more I want to express my thankfulness by telling everyone about Him.


Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
(Psalm 100:1-2; Psalm 100:3-5 ESV)
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
(Psalm 100)