By Pr Isaiah White
A new year is a blessing to each of us. Time is something we cannot purchase; it is a gift only God can give.
To be granted time is precious, and in this new year, we proclaim: “We are grateful, dear God.” Gratitude is a powerful aspect of worship, and it ought to be a Christian lifestyle. The people of the Old Testament understood the importance of gratitude. They knew it transcended cultural and temporal boundaries and served as a vital aspect of spiritual life. Many psalms communicate thanksgiving and a recognition of divine providence. Psalm 136:1-4 sets the tone, summarising the essence of gratitude in the context of God’s goodness and wonder.
Imperative of gratitude
The first four verses of Psalm 136 declare:
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: To Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136:1-4).
The psalm begins with an emphatic imperative: “O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever” (Psalm 136:1). This opening statement establishes a framework for understanding gratitude. The call to thankfulness is not merely a suggestion but a directive rooted in the acknowledgment of God’s inherent goodness. For those who have experienced God’s intervention, giving thanks is not optional but necessary.
Reflecting on the past year, two fundamental truths emerge: we do not deserve to be here today, and we serve a God whose character is unchanging. The repeated phrase “for His mercy endures forever” throughout the psalm underscores that gratitude is not tied to circumstances but anchored in God’s unwavering nature. We are here not because of our efforts or merits but because of who God is.
God of Gods
Psalm 136:2 proclaims: “Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.” For those seeking to understand this God, the psalmist addresses Him as “the God of gods,” emphasising His supremacy over all other deities. This title affirms that He alone deserves our gratitude.
Today, many attribute their success to various sources, which, in effect, become their gods. Wealth, education, talent, social connections, or even other religious beliefs often receive credit for personal achievements. The psalmist is clear: “the God to whom we are grateful is above all these”. Recognising God’s sovereignty fosters a deeper appreciation for His role in our lives. When we acknowledge Him as the ultimate authority, our gratitude becomes an expression of reverence and worship.
Grateful for mercy
The recurring phrase “for his mercy endures forever” reinforces the central message that it is by God’s mercy that we exist. Mercy, in this context, refers to God’s steadfast love and compassion towards humanity. It is not an emotional response provoked by our circumstances but an unchanging aspect of God’s character—past, present, and future.
We are encouraged to reflect on the countless ways God has shown mercy throughout history and in our personal lives. The psalmist reminds us to be grateful because we serve a merciful God. His mercy is the firm foundation upon which we stand and the strong pillar we cling to as we navigate the challenges of a new year.
God of wonders
Verse 4 introduces another dimension to gratitude: “To Him who alone does great wonders” (Psalm 136:4). This declaration invites us to reflect on the miraculous acts of God in creation and in our lives. Recognising these wonders cultivates a sense of awe and appreciation. Such reflections prompt us to express gratitude not only for what we receive but also for who God is and what He has done.
As we consider the events that have shaped our lives, do we see the hand of God at work? His wonders are evident in the blessings we often take for granted: the breath in our lungs, the beauty of creation, and the opportunities to grow and serve. These moments remind us that God alone is worthy of our praise and gratitude.
Call to gratitude
Entering a new year is a time to reset our perspective and renew our commitment to gratitude. Gratitude is not a fleeting emotion but a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God’s will. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been graciously given. As we begin this year, let us continually give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
In embracing gratitude as a lifestyle, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, celebrate His mercy, and marvel at His wonders. With every step we take, let our hearts proclaim, “We are grateful, dear God.”
