Songs of Thanksgiving
By Jen Wollner
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”
Psalm 95:2
My 3-year-old daughter has a habit that I hope she never changes. When she asks me for something and I oblige, she raises both of her arms above her head and exuberantly exclaims, “Yaaaay!” It’s her way of showing her gratitude and sheer joy for what I am doing for her. I just love how kids express themselves so freely, don’t you? They aren’t afraid to dance or sing in a show of emotion….they may even prefer it! So, what is it that happens between childhood and adulthood to make us so inhibited and restrained? Do we lose that joy and thankfulness, or just simply subdue it?By Jen Wollner
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”
Psalm 95:2
I did a search in Scripture on the word “thanksgiving.” I was surprised to find that many of the references in the Old Testament linked “thanksgiving” with “singing” or “shouting.” As I read through the verses, phrases like “songs of praise and thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:46) and “shouts of joy and thanksgiving” (Psalm 42:4) caught my attention. Oftentimes, when the people of Israel wanted to show their gratitude for what the Lord had done for them, they had a celebration. And, we’re not talking about a small proper dinner party…it was loud and boisterous! There were trumpets, cymbals, harps, lyres, shouting voices and singing choirs. It was with thunderous praises and joy that they expressed their thankfulness for God’s goodness.
What about us? Do we sing praises to the Lord out of a grateful heart? Do we shout for joy when He pours His blessing on us? I’m not referring to Sunday morning corporate worship…although that is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate…but, what about when we are all alone with the Lord? Do we allow ourselves the freedom to express our emotions outwardly? It may feel uncomfortable at first, but try it. As you pray, do so out loud with your arms raised to your Creator. Or, turn on your favorite praise music and sing aloud to your Savior…you could even twirl and dance, if you dare! When we physically act out our thankfulness, our joy and appreciation for our heavenly Father is enhanced and heightened. Maybe that’s why the Israelites made it a tradition to celebrate so energetically.
Today, as our thoughts turn to that for which we are thankful, may our arms raise and voices roar in song and praise to our God!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of the people or things in your life for which you are most thankful. Praise God in a demonstrative way for His faithfulness and lovingkindness!
FURTHER READING:
Ezra 3:11; Nehemiah 12:27, 31, 38; Psalm 69:30
Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads the Fresh Start ministry and is on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.
