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Give Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends in the United States! Wherever you are today, and whatever your circumstances, pause for a few minutes today to consider what you’re thankful for—and express that gratitude to God! And if there are people in your life to whom you owe a word of thanks, today’s a perfect day to convey that gratitude as well.

While the Bible contains many depictions of of thankfulness, the book of Psalms contains some of the most poetic ones. Below are two of the most famous psalms of thanksgiving in the Bible. Whether you’re gathering for a family feast this afternoon or are spending your holiday alone, consider reading these short passages out loud today:

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart;
I sing praise to you before the gods.
I face your holy Temple,
bow down, and praise your name
because of your constant love and faithfulness,
because you have shown that your name and your commands are supreme.
You answered me when I called to you;
with your strength you strengthened me.

All the kings in the world will praise you, Lord,
because they have heard your promises.
They will sing about what you have done
and about your great glory.
Even though you are so high above,
you care for the lowly,
and the proud cannot hide from you.

When I am surrounded by troubles,
you keep me safe.
You oppose my angry enemies
and save me by your power.
You will do everything you have promised;
Lord, your love is eternal.
Complete the work that you have begun. — Psalm 138 (GNT)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Let Israel say:
“His love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say:
“His love endures forever.” — Psalm 118 (NIV)

For more poetic examples of gratitude to God, see Psalm 22 (in which the author finds cause to give thanks even among very dire circumstances), Psalm 92, and Psalm 115.

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