What should we thank God for, and how should we praise Him?
“It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your loving kindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,” —Psalm 92:1-2 NASB
King David had a tender and grateful heart toward his Creator that endeared Him to God and to millions of believers to this day. David regularly expressed his thanks and praise to the King of Kings. We can learn much from David’s excellent example.
After reading the Psalmists’ instructions, it would be wise to ask ourselves: Do our lives truly express thankfulness to God? Or are we numbered among those who are living a life of ingratitude, failing to act like we understand who God really is and what He has done?
THINGS TO THANK GOD FOR…
partial list
God is great and worthy of praise—Psalm 18:3; 48:1; 96:4; 145:3
“He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:10 NASB)
Psalm 103:9-11
Learn more…
THE FEAR OF THE LORD— What is it? Why is it very important? Answer
About the wrath and fury of God
What is SIN AND WICKEDNESS? Is it just “bad people” that are sinners, or are YOU a sinner? Answer
Are you good enough to get to Heaven? Answer
How good is good enough? Answer
About the fall of mankind to worldwide depravity
Be thankful for…
God’s righteousness and holiness—Psalm 7:17; 30:4; 48:10; 71:16, 24; 99:3
For not giving up on us—not staying angry with us when we have sinned and repented—Psalm 30:5
All God’s marvelous works—Psalm 9:1; 66:3-7; 71:16-17; 72:18; 92:4-6; 105:5; 111:2-4
Our bodies—Psalm 139:14-16
God’s guidance and instruction to us—Psalm 16:7; 48:14; 71:17
The hope God has given us—Psalm 16:9
Salvation—Psalm 16:9-11; 71:23; 92:1; 96:2
The joy God gives us in His presence—Psalm 16:11
When we are in trouble, God hears our cries for help—Psalm 18:6; 22:24
Deliverance—Psalm 18:49; 54:7; 68:20
God’s blessings and benefits—Psalm 68:19
Mercy and kindness—Psalm 117:2; 18:49; 31:21; 57:10; 86:13; 100:5; 106:1; 108:4; 145:8-9
God’s laws and commands—Psalm 19:7-8; 48:11; 112:1
God’s judgments and the warning they have provided to us—Psalm 19:9-11; 119:7; 119:164
He will deliver ultimate justice, and the righteous will dwell in His presence—Psalm 140:12-13
God’s power—Psalm 21:13; 29:3-10
God’s faithfulness—Psalm 71:22
For preserving our ancestors—Psalm 22:4-5
For the strength and confidence God gives us—Psalm 27:1-6; 28:7-8; 29:11; 56:4, 11; 138:3
For listening to our prayers—Psalm 28:6; 66:20; 116:1-2
God’s Word—Psalm 56:4, 10
For being truthful—Psalm 33:2; 57:10; 117:2
Despite our sinfulness and waywardness, He still fills Earth with His love and goodness—Psalm 33:5
God’s thoughts, many and deep—Psalm 139:17-18
WAYS TO THANK AND PRAISE GOD
partial list
Seek God, thirst for Him—Psalm 22:26; 42:2; 63:8; 105:4
Thank and praise GOD with your mouth, not just your mind—Psalm 51:15; 63:5; 66:8; 66:17; 71:8, 15, 24; 105:2; 109:30; 119:171-172; 145:21
Thank God continuously—Psalm 71:6, 8, 14-15; 75:9; 79:13; 92:1-2; 115:18; 145:2
Tell people about God’s wondrous works—Psalm 26:7; 96:3
Thank and praise God in front of your brothers and sisters in the congregation, among many people—Psalm 22:22, 25; 26:12; 35:18; 68:26; 111:1; 116:19
Among the unsaved of all nations, thank and praise God—Psalm 18:49; 57:9; 96:10; 108:3
Praise God to the next and all generations—Psalm 79:13; 102:18; 145:4
Sing praises to God, sing with understanding, and make it glorious—Psalm 7:17; 47:7; 66:2, 4; 9:2; 27:6; 28:7; 57:9; 61:8; 63:7; 68:4, 32; 69:30; 71:22-23; 92:1; 96:2; 101:1; 104:33; 105:2; 135:3; 146:2
Even sing for joy in your bed Psalm 149:5Do it with all your heart—Psalm 9:1; 86:12; 111:1; 138:1
Be glad and rejoice in God—Psalm 9:2
Love and respect God’s house—Psalm 26:8; 138:2
Don’t sin, seek righteousness—Psalm 33:1
Play musical instruments to praise God, and do it skillfully—Psalm 33:2-3; 43:4; 71:22; 92:3; 149:3; 150:3-5
Shout for joy, rejoice—Psalm 33:3
Be creative in your praise (write or sing God a NEW song, not always the same old one)—Psalm 33:3; 149:1
Stand in awe of Him—Psalm 33:8
Remember and praise God’s names—Psalm 44:8; 45:17; 54:6
Lift up your hands to Him—Psalm 63:4
Think about God at night—Psalm 63:6
Encourage other to praise and thank God—Psalm 67:3-5
Praise him with dancing—Psalm 150:3; 30:11; 149:3
Author: Paul S. Taylor of Christian Answers
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