Thankful: Praising God Through the PsalmsSample

Psalm 116 - Song of Thanksgiving

Literary Context

Many types of psalms express gratitude to God. In a lament, we follow the psalmist’s journey from agony and distress to thanksgiving and anticipation of God’s deliverance. In a hymn of praise, God is exalted in broader terms, glorified for his sovereignty over creation and human history.

Songs of thanksgiving, however, stand apart with their distinct character. These songs are deeply personal, arising from the psalmist's own experiences. Through them, he pours out his gratitude in response to the specific ways God has already acted in his life and community. This focus on God's tangible, past interventions sets songs of thanksgiving apart as intimate expressions of personal thanks.

Reflection

Have you ever written a thank you note after receiving an incredible gift? The words fall short, but you try anyway.

That’s precisely what the author of Psalm 116 is doing. He’s writing a thank you note to God for saving him from a death that seemed inevitable (Psalm 116:3, 9).

When he looks back to the time before the deliverance was complete, he recalls his distress (Psalm 116:3), his tears (Psalm 116:8), and his paralyzing fear (Psalm 116:11).

When he looks back to what got him through, he remembers his simple prayers (Psalm 116:4), his authentic faith (Psalm 116:10), and the steadfast character of God (Psalm 116:5).

Now, he expresses his love for the Lord (Psalm 116:1) and his lifelong commitment to call for God’s help when he needs it (Psalm 116:2). As he settles into a time of rest and recovery (Psalm 116:7), his heart overflows with thanksgiving. He promises not only to fulfill every promise he has made to God but also to publicly praise him (Psalm 116:14, 18-19).

Response

Write (or simply pray) a “thank you” note to God for a specific way he has showed up in your life. How did you feel before he showed up? What got you through the actual experience? What happens now?

For further reading:

• Psalm 18
• Psalm 107
• Psalm 118