Thanksgiving Psalm

PSALM 66: A Psalm of Thanksgiving

The community of faith praises God joyfully (66:1–12). And the psalmist, representing the individual believer, commits himself to praise God and pray to Him (vv. 13–20).

Key concepts. Worship Psalms 140-145. Praise Psalms 140-145. Temple Solomon’s Temple. Fear of God Proverbs 1-4. Sin Psalm 51.

“You … tested us” (66:8–12). When we can see God’s hand in our pain and praise Him for our suffering, we are becoming mature.

“I will” (66:13). The first 12 verses speak of “we.” Here the psalm shifts to “I.” When each individual is moved to heartfelt worship the church honors God.

Overview

Much of what we read in Psalm 66 governs our words.

We have done this all of our lives.

• Pledge of allegiance
• National anthem
• Multiplication tables
• Poems

What is the point of telling us what to say?

• It fixes the subject in our minds.
• It guards against variation or counterfeit.
• It serves as a highway with guardrails for our minds.
• It keeps us from wandering in the thought wilderness.
• What is the point of giving thanksgiving and praise to God?
• It guards against depression and negativism.
• It preserves a spirit of humility and gratitude.
• It pleases God.
• It keep the communication channel with God on a right basis.