Why Giving Thanks Is Always a Good Thing (A Look at Psalm 92)

We live in a world where it’s often hard to remember to say “thank you.” We can be like the little boy who didn’t mention it after he heard the lady say, “Don’t mention it!” Sometimes, even when we want to express gratitude to the Lord, we are easily distracted. But giving thanks is not just a polite gesture; it is, as one person wrote, “the highest of all occupations.”

This week, we are unpacking Psalm 92, known as a Sabbath Song, which the ancient Hebrews would sing as they gathered for worship. This psalm teaches us that the entire Christian life is meant to be one big thank you. What we take for granted, we never take seriously. So let’s get serious about gratitude!

The Goodness of Gratitude

We’ll start by answering the question: Why is it good to give thanks?

Beyond its spiritual importance, giving thanks offers tangible benefits in our lives:

• It Stops Covetousness: When we give thanks, we concentrate on what we have rather than what we do not have.
• It Stops Cantankerousness: Thankful people are generally more cheerful and less cranky. Start giving thanks to God if you feel yourself becoming cranky!
• It Stops Complaining: We often gripe and complain, much like the children of Israel. Thankfulness forces us to see God’s provision instead of focusing on what we lack.

The Apostle Paul, who endured beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment, found contentment in all things and left us this command: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God is worthy of our thanks every single day—not just on Sundays or Thanksgiving Day.

Seven Reasons God is Worthy of Our Thanks

Psalm 92 provides a beautiful list of God’s qualities that make Him utterly worthy of our constant praise.

1. God is Good (Verse 1 & 2)

• Psalm 92:1a: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord…”
• Psalm 92:2a: “To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning…”

The psalmist is essentially saying, “It is good because He is good.” His lovingkindness (goodness) is a constant quality. We may not always understand our circumstances, but when we look back, we can reflect and see just how good God is. Don’t wait to acknowledge this amazing quality!

2. He is Faithful (Verse 2)

• Psalm 92:2b: “…and thy faithfulness every night.”

Faithfulness speaks of firmness, steadfastness, and fidelity. When God says He will do something, He will do it. God is faithful to always fulfill who He is; His love, mercy, grace, kindness, and goodness endure. We can give thanks for His consistency from the morning until the night.

3. He Gives Gladness (Verse 4)

• Psalm 92:4: “For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.”

The word “glad” means pleased or delighted. We can rejoice in the work of God’s hands (creation, redemption) and even His thoughts! What an amazing truth that the God of the universe would take the time to think of us (Psalm 8:4). We can be glad in Jesus, even when facing persecution, knowing that God’s economy uses pain to bring forth new faith.

4. His Works are Great (Verse 5)

• Psalm 92:5: “O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.”

While God’s works include the wondrous acts of Creation (He spoke the world into existence) and Redemption (Jesus’s perfect life, death, and resurrection), the context of the psalm emphasizes Vindication.

• Psalm 92:7-8: “When the wicked spring as the grass… it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.”

The wicked may seem to prosper for a short time, but God will ultimately vindicate the righteous and set every wrong right. His great works include His perfect timing and justice!

5. He is Above All (Verse 8)

• Psalm 92:8: “But thou, O Lord, art most high for evermore.”

He is El Elyon, the High and Lifted Up God. There is no one like our God! He is “above all powers, above all kings, above all nature and all created things.” The God who is exalted above all others actually lifts us up as important and valuable to Him.

6. He is Upright (Verse 15)

• Psalm 92:15a: “To shew that the Lord is upright…”

To be upright means to be conscientious, straight, and right. Everything God does is correct and just. He is always aware of us and our circumstances. Nothing in life takes God by surprise, and He will always do what He has said He would do.

7. He is My Righteous Rock (Verse 15)

• Psalm 92:15b: “…he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”

God is our source of stability and strength. He is the Rock of Salvation (Deuteronomy 32:4, 15). We cannot save ourselves—not through good works, religion, or good deeds. Our salvation is found only in the Rock, Jesus Christ. Have you trusted in Him as your righteous rock?

Making God Your All-in-All

The whole Christian life is one big thank you. The proper response to the God who combines in Himself all these amazing qualities—who is the Lord Jehovah and the Most High—is to give thanks.

This week, let’s practice giving thanks. Let’s not take God for granted. Let Him be your All-in-all!