“…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:19-20
Henry Smith Jr. is a musician and song writer. He has written hundreds of hymns. Of the many songs that he has written, his most popular and most widely published work is the song, “Give Thanks.” Most hymnals, published today, will contain this song. It is simple and powerful.
The lyrics to the song, “Give Thanks” remind those who sing it to lift their thanksgiving to God. It is not only a reminder, but an opportunity to sing one’s gratitude as well. We know that offering our praise to God is important. When we take time to do so, it is a blessing to God and to ourselves. The lyrics to this song are simple and beautiful:
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.
And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,
let the poor say ‘I am rich’,
because of what the Lord has done for us;
and now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,
let the poor say ‘I am rich’,
because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks…
When Henry Smith Jr. wrote this song, he was going through a difficult time. He was unemployed and struggling with a significant health issue. Henry was slowly losing his eyesight. He is now legally blind. He never wavered in his faith. In fact, he found great comfort in God as he went through his struggles. Perhaps this is why he writes the powerful words, “And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’… because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks.”
It is important to live in a spirit of gratitude. It is a good thing to list the reasons we have to be thankful. When we pray, sing, and share our gratitude with God, we will find that we will clearly see just how much we must be thankful for. We have many reasons to give thanks today. You may be experiencing the best of life, or you might be in the midst of struggle, but in all things, we can give thanks.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
