Day 137 - The Importance of Thanksgiving

Today we read Psalm 50. This is a psalm of Asaph that begins withe a description of the Lord as the “Mighty One,” the “perfection of beauty.” It is unmistakable to know that God is the Creator. It is impossible to miss God’s independence of humanity.

Asaph writes the words of the Lord:

7 “O my people, listen as I speak.

Here are my charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God!

8 I have no complaint about your sacrifices

or the burnt offerings you constantly offer.

9 But I do not need the bulls from your barns

or the goats from your pens.

10 For all the animals of the forest are mine,

and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know every bird on the mountains,

and all the animals of the field are mine.

12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you,

for all the world is mine and everything in it.

13 Do I eat the meat of bulls?

Do I drink the blood of goats? (NLT)

But then he sets forth a call to humanity that is so wonderfully gracious.

14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

and perform your vows to the Most High,

15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (ESV)

Asaph then records words to the wicked about their hatred of discipline…of any accountability. And the conclusion of the psalm is this:

22 Repent, all of you who forget me,

or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.

23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.

If you keep to my path,

I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” (NLT)

There is certainly more in this psalm than a call to being thankful, but there is also not less than that. What does giving thanks demonstrate for humanity? Why is it so vital in our relationship with the Lord (and even with others)?