We Thank Thee, Jesus, Dearest Friend

We thank Thee, Jesus, Dearest Friend

Words: Un­known au­thor, 1607, cen­to (Wir dank­en dir, Herr Je­su Christ); trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Matthias Loy, 1880, alt.

Music: Er­schien­en Ist, Nikolaus Hermann, Die Son­tags Euan­gel­ia, 1560

We thank Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,
That Thou didst into Heav’n ascend.
O blessèd Savior, bid us live
And strength to soul and body give.
Hallelujah!  

Saying Thank You

It feels good to have a 'gratitude journal' or 'today list of gratitude', a place to enter our gratitude for the day.  Caring friends are such blessings. And best of all, we thank God for the day to day blessings we are provided. Many times we take them for granted. Somehow, our strength and vigor increase when we feel the thoughtfulness of friends or strangers who provide kindness we least expect.

Express joy in thankfulness

As a child, I've always loved this song which I used to sing during Sunday School. It's heartwarming to remember people who have brought and continuously bring love into our lives, and how wide a circle it is:

Happy days to all those that we love;
Happy days to all those that love us.
Happy days to all those that love them,
that love those
that love them
that love those
that love us.

It isn't enough to be grateful. We have to express our gratitude by showing it. It inspires many acts of giving.

Thanksgiving Day Thoughts

"Give thanks to the God of heaven.

His love endures forever."

Psalm 136: 26

The phrase "God of heaven" is a noble, majestic and awe-inspiring designation of the true God. It expresses a glorious elevation of the Almighty. To him humans should give thanks, for all receive his mercy in many forms and ways. His favours are poured down to us, and to anyone obedient, they shall flow forever. 

Counting our Blessings

Gratitude for each Blessing

Sometimes we want to pray but cannot gather words what we want to say. Or, for some, they may feel inadequate. Hymn writer Johnson Oatman, Jr. reminds us of a popular hymn of gratitude he wrote: "Count your blessings, name them one by one…".

It is normal and a common fact how our daily lives are extremely focused on our everyday worries and concerns. Yet, no matter how embedded our problems and challenges are, it is amazing how we can also get carried away when we begin saying out loud what we are thankful for. Right away our focus shifts from our problems to God's graciousness, his promises and love.

Keeping Faith and a Positive Attitude

On occasion we will find that our life undergoes a change in direction. It could be a result of career change or health issues. Changes can be for the better or bad unexpected circumstance. With trust and faith in God, we can develop gratitude for all conditions, be it good or bad, happy or sad. Sometimes we need pains or sorrows along with our joys, to remind us we not invincible. Our failure teaches us humility. But if we remain steadfast in trusting our higher power, even our dashed hopes, our dreams, can still be realised.  Let us try to accept our life changes with gratitude from this perspective.