The Goodness of Giving Thanks

Text: Psalm 92:1–4

Heavenly Father, as we open Your Word today, teach us to see the beauty and power of a thankful heart. Let Your Spirit open our eyes to Your goodness, fill our mouths with praise, and renew our hearts with joy. We thank You, Lord, not just for what You’ve done, but for who You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction:

If you would take your copy of God’s Word and turn to Ps.92

Psalm 92 begins with a truth that should shape the rhythm of every believer’s life:

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.”

This psalm bears the title “A Song for the Sabbath Day.” The Sabbath was not simply a day off; it was a day set apart — a time to rest from one’s own works and rejoice in the finished work of God. It was the heartbeat of worship in Israel — a day of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing.

In this psalm, we are reminded that thanksgiving is not optional; it is essential to the life of faith. It is not merely polite manners toward God — it is a spiritual posture of humility and dependence.

Our world is filled with noise, demands, and self-centered striving. But thanksgiving calls us to slow down and remember — God is the giver, sustainer, and redeemer of life.

It’s not only right to give thanks; it’s good for us. It’s the medicine for a weary soul, the melody of true worship, and the message our world desperately needs.

Today we’ll see from Psalm 92:1–4 why it truly is good to give thanks unto the Lord.

Psalm 92:1–4 NKJV

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, 3 On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. 4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

I. Giving Thanks Is Good for the Soul (v.1)

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.”

The word “good” here in Hebrew is ṭôb — meaning “pleasant, beneficial, beautiful, morally right.” The psalmist is saying that thanksgiving is not only a duty but a delight — it benefits the one who gives it.

The phrase “to give thanks” (yādâ) literally means “to confess” or “to acknowledge with the hand raised.” It carries the image of open-handed worship — surrendering self and lifting praise to God.

And notice who the thanks is directed toward — “to the Lord (Yahweh)”, the covenant name of God. This is not general gratitude or positive thinking; it is personal, covenantal praise directed to the living God.

The psalmist calls Him “O Most High” (ʿElyôn) — the title of God’s supreme authority and majesty. It reminds us that the One we thank is not only good, but exalted above all — the King over every circumstance.

When we thank Him, we are aligning our hearts with His greatness.

Illustration: The Grateful Heart That Heals

A Christian doctor once said, “I can prescribe medicine for the body, but only gratitude can heal the soul.” He noticed that patients who practiced thankfulness — even in small ways — recovered faster, lived happier, and carried less bitterness.

That’s the power of thanksgiving. It softens our hearts, lightens our burdens, and restores our joy.

If your heart feels heavy, start thanking God. Gratitude doesn’t change your situation immediately — it changes you in the situation. When you give thanks to the Lord, peace begins to rule your heart again (Philippians 4:6–7).

II. Giving Thanks Is Good for Our Worship (v.2)

“To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”

Here the psalmist shifts from the why of thanksgiving to the when and how. The word “declare” (nagad) means “to make known, to proclaim publicly.” Thanksgiving isn’t silent — it’s meant to be expressed.

The psalmist chooses two attributes of God to proclaim daily:

His lovingkindness (ḥesed) — God’s steadfast, covenant love. This word ḥesed is one of the richest in Scripture. It describes God’s loyal, merciful love — the kind of love that doesn’t let go.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)

His faithfulness (‘emunah) — God’s reliability, His trustworthiness. When we wake up in the morning, we declare His mercy; when we lie down at night, we testify of His faithfulness.

This forms a rhythm — morning and evening, beginning and end — symbolizing continual worship. A thankful heart doesn’t just respond once; it beats with ongoing remembrance of God’s grace.

Illustration: The Prayer Journal of Thanks

A woman once decided to keep a small journal by her bed — every morning she’d write one thing she was thankful for, and every night she’d write one more.

At first, it was simple: “Thank You, Lord, for coffee.” Then deeper: “Thank You, Lord, for Your patience with me today.”

Months later, she said, “That little notebook changed my life. I didn’t get new circumstances — I got a new heart.”

Try that spiritual habit. Start and end your day with thanksgiving — declare His love in the morning and His faithfulness at night. You’ll soon find that worship isn’t confined to Sunday; it flows through the whole week.

III. Giving Thanks Is Good for Our Witness (vv.3–4)

“On an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonious sound. For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.”

The psalmist moves from the private expression of gratitude to the public declaration of praise. The mention of “the instrument of ten strings, the lute, and the harp” shows that thanksgiving should involve the full range of our gifts — everything we have can be used to glorify God.

The phrase “with harmonious sound” (Hebrew: higgaion b’kinnor) suggests not random noise, but thoughtful, skillful praise — praise that reflects the order and beauty of God’s character.

Then comes the reason for his joy:

“For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work.”

The psalmist rejoices not in his works, but in God’s works. That includes both God’s works of creation and His works of redemption.

The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).

But the cross declares the depth of His love.

When we recognize that our joy flows from the finished works of God — we become living testimonies of His goodness.

The phrase “I will triumph in the works of Your hands” literally means “I will shout for joy.” Gratitude and victory go hand in hand. When we remember what God has done, faith rises — and worship overflows.

Illustration: The Grateful Believer at Work

A man once shared that his coworkers called him “the singing mechanic.” When asked why he was always humming hymns while fixing cars, he said,

“The Lord fixed my heart; the least I can do is sing while I fix an engine.”

His joy was contagious. Over time, others started asking about his faith — not because he preached loudly, but because he lived thankfully.

That’s what this psalm describes — gratitude that overflows in such a way that the world notices the goodness of God.

Your gratitude is a testimony. When you choose to be thankful in adversity, the world sees Christ in you. A complaining Christian confuses people — but a grateful Christian convinces them that Jesus is real.

Conclusion

Psalm 92 begins with thanksgiving and ends with fruitfulness (v.12–15). The psalmist says that those who praise the Lord will flourish like the palm tree — standing tall and fruitful even in dry seasons.

Thankfulness roots you deep in God’s grace and raises you high in His glory.

So let’s make this our declaration:

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord.”

It’s good for your soul, good for your worship, and good for your witness.

Closing Prayer

Father, You are good, and Your mercy endures forever. Thank You for Your blessings — seen and unseen. Teach us to give thanks from the moment we wake to the time we rest our heads. Make our lives a song of gratitude, our homes a sanctuary of praise, and our witness a reflection of Your goodness. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord — Amen.