Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

 

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich”

Because of what the Lord has done for us

 

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich”

Because of what the Lord has done for us

 

The above lyrics are from “Give Thanks” which was recorded during a live worship service at Covenant Church of Mobile, Alabama in July 1986. The album was certified gold in 1985 after selling over 500,000 copies. The title song is still very popular around the world during worship services.

While we will be celebrating Thanksgiving this week this song has been one of those that gets inside your head and you find yourself singing it over and over. Music has been part of worship since the days of the children of Israel. Even during the reign of King David he danced and sang before the Lord. Music seems to take us to a special place, a place where we can feel the presence of God so strongly. Even in modern worship, music opens most services and closes them.

Perhaps this is why the words to this song seem to speak so strongly. We set aside a holiday to give thanks for all we have received and for our blessings. However to truly give thanks it has to come from the heart. Words alone cannot express our true feelings for what we have received. Music and words such as the above song strums the strings of our heart and pulls us closer into a time of praise to God.

The words also put so many things into perspective. We are all the same in the eyes of God. We are all His children, created in His image and loved with a love beyond our realization. We are heirs to His kingdom rich in love and strong in spirit. Regardless of our worldly processions, our status in the world, our physical, mental, or emotional strength we are all blessed beyond measure because of what He gave us.

Give thanks.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.