For many Americans, Thanksgiving means spending time with relatives and friends, feasting on turkey and stuffing, and watching football. While all of these traditions are wonderful, it is important that Christians remember what the holiday really is and who should be the object of our gratitude.
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord: let us make a joyful noise at the rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving, and make him a merry noise with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods “(Psalm 95: 1-3 KJV).
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of all the ways God has blessed us. Here is a list of seven contemporary songs and hymns that can help us express our gratitude to God in worship.
1. Blessed be your name – Matt Redman
Contemporary Christian artist Matt Redman blesses the Lord and encourages the worshiper to proclaim God’s faithfulness in all seasons of life, both in times of goodness and in times of pain.
“Every blessing you pour out, I will turn to praise
When the darkness closes, Lord
Yet I will say that Blessed be the name of the Lord! “
2. Indescribable –Chris Tomlin
Popular praise leader Chris Tomlin reveals the magnitude of God’s greatness in this 2004 hit, praising an “indescribable” and “uncontrollable” Creator.
“Indescribable, uncontrollable,
you placed the stars and you know them by name
You are amazing God “
3. We Come Together – Traditional Hymn
Although this song of praise was written in 1597 to celebrate a Dutch victory, its timeless message of simple gratitude to God still rings true today.
“We come together to ask for the blessing of the Lord;
He chastises and hastens his will to make known.
The wicked oppressors now cease to afflict.
Sing praises to His Name; He does not forget his own.
4. Give thanks with a grateful heart – Henry Smith
Songwriter Henry Smith wrote this song in the mid-1980s after experiencing a radical conversion to Christianity. Although Henry eventually lost his eyesight due to degenerative eye disease, he never blamed God. He wrote “Give thanks” as an expression of his eternal gratitude to God for the gift of salvation.
“Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Thank the Saint.
Give thanks because He gave Jesus Christ, His son.
And now let the weak say “I am strong!” Let the poor say “I am rich!
Because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks.”
5. Here I am to worship – Chris Tomlin
Another Chris Tomlin hit, “Here I Am to Worship” celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness with unashamed gratitude and humble reverence.
“Here I am to worship, here I am bowing down
Here I must say that you are God.
You are quite adorable, quite worthy,
quite wonderful for me.
And I’ll never know how much it costs
see to see my sin on that cross. “
6. This is my father’s world – Traditional Hymn
This beloved hymn was originally written by a 19th century minister as a poem based on Psalm 33: 5, which states: “He loves righteousness and righteousness; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Later set to music, this simple song of praise perfectly captures the power and beauty of God.
“This is my Father’s world.
O let me never forget
that although the evil often seems so strong,
God is still the sovereign.
This is my Father’s world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the sky ring!
God reigns; let the earth rejoice! “
7. Wonderful and Merciful Savior – Selah
Selah’s cult coup praises God for his attributes and thanks him for saving the lost souls of mankind. Nicol Smith’s moving voice on this song makes the worship and thanks even more wonderful.
“Wonderful and merciful Savior,
Precious Redeemer and Friend,
Who would have thought that a lamb
save the souls of men
You are the one we praise
You are the one we adore
You give the healing and the grace that our hearts always hunger for “