In Everything, Give Thanks: When Do We Praise God? (Psalm 92, Part 3)

We’re wrapping up our journey through the beautiful Psalm 92, the “Sabbath Song” the Israelites would sing on their way to worship. This Psalm has truly blessed us!

In the first two posts, we answered the why (because God is worthy) and the how (by giving God recognition). Now, let’s tackle the final, essential question: When do we give thanks?

The short answer, which this whole message drives toward, is in everything—not just on the Sabbath (or Sunday), not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every single day. Even when the weather is gloomy, like that Scottish minister Alexander White observed on a dreary day, we can thank God that “it’s not always like this!” There is always something to be grateful for when we have the right perspective.

Let’s look at six specific times, drawn from Psalm 92, when we should stop and give thanks to the Lord.

1. While We Are Singing (Verses 1–2)

The Psalmist begins by defining our worship: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High” (Psalm 92:1).

Our singing, whether it’s a full choir, an instrument of ten strings (v. 3), or just humming a song in our head, is meant to show forth—to be conspicuous and draw attention to God!

We should be singing His praises in the morning and the night (v. 2), recognizing:

• His lovingkindness (goodness) as we start the day.
• His faithfulness as we reflect on the day’s end.

I love that old song, “My Tribute,” because it attributes every good thing we have back to the ultimate source: “All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. To God be the glory for the things He has done!”

2. When Witnessing God’s Mind and Work (Verses 4–5)

• Psalm 92:4: “For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work; I will triumph in the works of thy hands.”
• Psalm 92:5: “O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.”

We can rejoice (made me glad) and shout (triumph) when we see God’s hand at work! Sometimes we have to look back and be reflective, but if you look long enough, you realize His way was best, even if you didn’t understand it at the time.

What should make us excited—more excited than a touchdown or a game-winning shot—is the deep, profound truth that God actually thinks about us (Psalm 8:3–5). He provides, protects, and is perpetually present (Hebrews 13:5). We are called to reflect His light, just as the moon reflects the sun. Let us make known His deeds among the people (Psalm 105:1).

3. When the Wicked Prosper (Verses 7–8)

This is one of the hardest times to give thanks! The Psalmist notes that the wicked may “spring as the grass” and “flourish” (v. 7). It often seems like bad actors are succeeding and winning in this world.

But here is our reason for thanks: Short-term wins are not the same as ultimate victory.

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

Our thanks is in the conclusion: Jesus wins! God doesn’t always settle His accounts in October. A day is coming when all accounts are fully settled, and we, as Christians, are on the winning side! We are warned: “Fret not thyself because of evildoers” (Psalm 37:1). Instead, be thankful for His eternal sovereignty.

4. When God Affects Change and Justice (Verses 10–11)

• Psalm 92:10: “But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.”
• Psalm 92:11: “Mine eye also shall see my desire upon mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked…”

We do not have to personally affect change or seek vengeance. We simply need to put ourselves in a position for God to exalt (lift up) us. Our horn (strength, power) comes from Him. We are to be anointed with fresh oil, which means to be consecrated—set apart—for God’s service.

We trust that He is the one who will right all the wrong, and we wait for His timing. We rejoice in the remembrance of His holiness (Psalm 97:12).

5. When Gathered with God’s People (Verse 13)

• Psalm 92:13: “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.”

This Psalm was sung corporately in the synagogue or the Temple’s courts. We should give thanks when we are gathered together as the church.

This local assembly—the body of believers—is a gift from God. We are all transplanted here, and the call is to put our roots down deep so we can flourish and bear spiritual fruit.

I’m concerned about the faithfulness shortage—more than half of self-professing Christians seldom attend services. If Christians don’t show up, eventually, the church dies slowly. If we want to be fruitful, we must be transplanted and gather to worship and give thanks publicly (Psalm 35:18).

6. In All Life Stages (Verses 14–15)

• Psalm 92:14: “They shall still bring forth fruits in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.”

The righteous (those made righteous by Christ) are compared to the long-living palm tree and the strong cedar in Lebanon. The phrase still bring forth fruits in old age implies that they were bearing fruit when they were young and middle-aged as well!

The key is that they remain full of sap (the word for fat) and flourishing. They are connected to the life-giving source: Jesus.

When you look back at your life—at the losses, the health scares, the bad decisions—what is the one thing you would never change? I hope, like the former alcoholic, you would say it is your relationship with Jesus.

That relationship allows us to look at everything and say, “God still used it. You are still my God.”

The Conclusion

The ultimate answer to “When do we give thanks?” is: In everything.

1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift—Jesus Christ.