My Songs of Thankfulness

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30 ESV)

I love to sing. I am not a great singer. My kids will tell you I’m not even a good singer. In fact, I am certain they have labeled me “tone deaf” on numerous occasions. But I don’t let that stop me from singing.

I grew up singing. My dad had an extensive collection of albums from the 70’s and I learned all the lyrics to “Teach Your Children”, “With a Little Help from My Friends”, “Rocket Man”, and too many more to name. I knew that Jeremiah was a bullfrog, and it wasn’t a great day on the day the music died.

My first memory of a song was when I was a little toddler, and my Granny would sing “Amazing Grace” to me. She would hit that high note and my little bottom lip would quiver. Everyone thought it was hilarious. That is one of the sweetest memories of my young years.

When I was in middle school I started going to church with a friend. I learned all about coming to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses. I understood that Jesus takes me just as I am, without one plea. I grasped the concept of leaning on the everlasting arms.

Yes, those hymns were beautiful, and it saddens me that we don’t hear them as much as we used to. I once studied some of the old hymns and discovered there is a rich and historical story behind the writing of most of them.

In my adult years, I discovered more contemporary praise and worship songs. Now that was a revelation! God’s not dead, in fact, our God is an awesome God. We can shout to the Lord in praise that better is one day in his courts than thousands elsewhere. We get the security of knowing our Redeemer lives, even when we feel like we are in the enemy’s camp.

Through our songs, we can shout to the north and know that he is exalted. He reigns forever. Doesn’t that make you delirious?

These songs were designed for a purpose. They are meant to draw us closer to the Lord and fill us with hope and encouragement. We use these songs to give praise to our Father, and to let him know our hearts are focused on him.

I don’t know about you, but when I get swept away in a song of praise or worship, my heart starts to overflow with gratitude. This is gratitude for my salvation and my ability to call him my Father. It is gratitude that I can rest in the assurance that I’ve been washed by the blood of the Lamb, and all is forgiven.

These songs also make me thankful for the gifts and blessings I have received. The Holy Spirit reminds me of each special thing God has done to make my life richer, and more filled with joy and peace.

The Spirit arouses a thankfulness in my heart for my husband, my beautiful children, my precious grandchildren, my parents, and others that are close to my heart. Some songs remind me of those who have passed on, and I am more grateful than words can describe that I will reunite with them in our eternal home, where we will all be trading our sorrows for joy.

I reflect on opportunities he has given me to dream, to soar, to do things I never thought I could, and probably wouldn’t have on my own strength. Divine appointments that have allowed me to share the gospel with someone who needed hope and encouragement.

How great is our God! How marvelous are the works he does for you and me! I will never stop singing his praises, despite my inability to carry a tune. I will never stop pondering his blessings in my life. I will never stop being thankful for all I have received, and for the greatest gift which I can look forward to … my eternity with him.

I’ve heard that all the angels sing in heaven. I wonder if they will let me join their choir?