By Randy Garrison 

For the Enquirer  

“Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given 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’” 

The above lyrics are from “Give Thanks,” which was recorded during a live worship service at Covenant Church of Mobile in July 1986.   

The album was certified gold in 1985 after selling more than 500,000 copies. The title song is still popular around the world during worship services. 

This song is one of those that gets inside your head, and you find yourself singing it over and over.   

Music has been part of worship since the days of the children of Israel. Even during the reign of King David, he danced and sang before the Lord.  

Music seems to take us to a special place – a place where we can feel the presence of God so strongly.  Even in modern worship, music opens most services and closes them.   

Perhaps this is why the words to this song seem to speak so strongly. We set aside a holiday to give thanks for all we have received and for our blessings; however, to truly give thanks, it has to come from the heart.   

Words alone cannot express our true feelings for what we have received. Music and words such as the above song strums the strings of our heart and pulls us closer into a time of praise to God. 

The words also put so many things into perspective. We are all the same in the eyes of God. We are all His children, created in His image and loved with a love beyond our realization.  

We are heirs to His kingdom, rich in love and strong in spirit.  

Regardless of our worldly processions; our status in the world; or our physical, mental or emotional strength, we are all blessed beyond measure because of what He gave us.   

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows,” James 1:17 (NIV). 

So, as we move into the week of Thanksgiving and pause to give extra thanks, let us always remember – not only for one day each year but every day, many times each day – to pause and give thanks to our Heavenly Father.  

He loves us with an unfailing agape love. Before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs, He loved us and then paid the ultimate price with His son’s life to ensure we never have to live without His love.  

God is good all the time; thanks be to God. 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV). 

Give thanks.