6. Thank You, God, For Saving Me

Introduction

General: One of the most basic things we teach our children is to say, “Thank you.” // Gratitude is one of the simplest and most natural responses to goodness.

Personal: How often do you respond to God’s goodness with gratitude? How natural is it for you to be thankful? If you woke up tomorrow and had only what you thanked God for today, what would you have?

Biblical: Psalm 65 is essentially a thank you psalm. David looks at what God has done—for his people, for the world, and for the land—and he responds with gratitude.

Subject

Body

Thank You, God, for saving us.

Exposition (Ps 65:1-4)

Though we were overwhelmed by our sins, God forgave them all! And he brought us home (where we belong).

Excerpt from Eph 2:11, 12-13, 19.

Jesus is worthy of our praise because he gave his life on the cross to rescue us from sin and bring us home.

Response: The Lord’s Supper

Application: Look at Ps 65:1-2…

“We will fulfill our vows to you…” = We will do what we said.

Can we sing this with honesty? Bless God in the sanctuary // in the fields of plenty… Bless God in the darkest valley // when my hands are empty // with a praise that costs me // when nobody’s watching // when the weapon’s forming // when the walls are falling // Every chance I get I bless your name…

Does my life match the songs I sing?

Thank you, God, for bringing hope to all the earth.

Exposition (Ps 65:5-8)

Look at who God is in these verses: Faithful Savior, Hope Giver, Mountain Maker, Earth’s Architect, Ocean Tamer, Peacemaker, Wonder Worker, Sign Giver, Dawn Bringer, Sunset Caller, Lord of Morning and Evening, Joy Awakener, God of the Whole Horizon, The One Who Makes the World Sing…

There is no god like our God! He brings hope to people all over the world.

Illustration: The Next Christendom by Philip Jenkins

There are more Christians in Africa than people in the US.

Christianity in China is growing so fast that China is expected to be the #1 missionary-sending nation by 2030.

Muslims are being saved through dreams, and places like Iraq and Afghanistan are seeing some of the fastest per capita growth of Christianity in the world.

Application: God is the hope of everyone on earth… that includes you. If you need hope restored, come to Jesus. // When your hope is restored, be ready to share it with others.

Thank you, God, for blessing us with joy.

Exposition (Ps 65:9-13): Everything prospers (and rejoices!) under God’s care.

Illustration: When God provided for my car insurance…

Application

Entitlement will steal your joy. Gratitude will restore your joy.

Throughout this Psalm, David is counting his blessings. Pausing to remember and thank God for his blessings can change your perspective, get you out of a funk, strengthen your faith, bring you fresh hope, and will increase your joy.

Pause to count your blessings…

Conclusion: Doxology