To know God is to be thankful.

When we know God as He is, we learn to be thankful for every good and perfect gift.

When I think of Thanksgiving Day, I naturally turn to Psalm 103. Interestingly, Psalm 103 really doesn’t tell us about thanksgiving. What it does is tell us about God.

The psalm begins and ends with the same words. Verse one begins with “Bless (praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” The psalm ends as the psalmist calls on all the created order to praise God. Angels, the heavely host, and all of the works of God should praise Him.

Verse one then leads to why this psalm points me to thanksgiving. We are to remember the benefits of God.

What are they?

First, we recognize God’s blessings on humankind. He forgives our iniquities and heals our diseases. He redeems (buys you out) from the pit. Then God puts love and compassion on you like a crown. Finally, God satisfies you with the good things of life. As I look at these verses, I see a progression. God walks us through life giving us forgiveness, healing, life, blessings, and finally the joy of a fulfilled life.

Second, God lets us know Him. Psalm 103:8 contains the classic description of God in the Bible. This description is found many times in the Old Testament. He is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” This description of God is found in Exodus 34:6-7, Jonah, Nehemiah, and the prophecy of Joel. It describes the very character of God.

Third, He knows us and loves us. In spite of our selves, God loves us and shows His love in a myriad of ways. The best way is to picture God as a loving father: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103: 13).

Finally, God is the everlasting God. He can be counted on throughout history. He doesn’t change, and He doesn’t give up on us. His love and righteousness are from everlasting to everlasting.

When you contemplate who God is and what God does, your mind naturally turns to thanksgiving.

May this be a week when we turn our hearts and minds to God.

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