How does Psalm 107:21 connect with Ephesians 5:20 on gratitude? Psalm 107:21 – A Call to Thankfulness “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men!” • “Let them…” – a direct summons; gratitude is not optional but commanded. • “give thanks to the LORD” – thanks is directed to the covenant God, Yahweh. • “for His loving devotion” – motive #1: His steadfast covenant love (ḥesed). • “and His wonders” – motive #2: concrete acts of rescue recorded in history. → The verse grounds gratitude in God’s unchanging character and His observable interventions. Ephesians 5:20 – A Lifestyle of Gratitude “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • “always” – frequency: constant, habitual. • “giving thanks” – same command as Psalm 107:21, now intensified. • “to God the Father” – the addressee remains the covenant-keeping Lord, now revealed as Father. • “for everything” – scope: no circumstance excluded. • “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” – gratitude is offered through the mediating work of Christ. How the Two Passages Interlock • Continuity of Command – Psalm 107:21 calls Israel to thank the LORD; Ephesians 5:20 calls the Church to continual thanks. • Ground of Gratitude – Psalm roots thanksgiving in God’s “loving devotion” and “wonders.” – Ephesians sees Christ’s redemptive work as the central “wonder,” encompassing “everything.” • Expansion of Scope – Psalm highlights specific acts of deliverance (vv. 4–32). – Ephesians widens the lens: every detail of life becomes an opportunity for praise. • Covenant Progression – Old Testament: gratitude for covenant love shown in historical rescues. – New Testament: gratitude flows through Christ, the fulfillment of covenant promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). Living Out Gratitude Today • Recall Specific Deliverances – Imitate the Psalmist: list the Lord’s interventions (physical healing, provision, guidance). • Practice Continuous Thanksgiving – Follow Paul: verbalize thanks during routine moments—commutes, meals, conversations. • Anchor Thanks in Christ – Consciously end prayers “in Jesus’ name,” acknowledging His mediating role (Hebrews 13:15). • Thank God “for everything” – Include trials (James 1:2–4); God turns them for good (Romans 8:28). • Share Testimonies – Psalm 107 repeats “Let them give thanks…” four times; tell others how God has acted (Psalm 105:1). Supporting Scriptures on Gratitude • Psalm 103:2 – “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” • Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do… do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” • Luke 17:15–18 – the thankful leper commended by Jesus. • James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” The Scripture’s consistent, literal call is unmistakable: God’s people, from the wilderness wanderers to the church at Ephesus and beyond, are to live in continual, Christ-centered gratitude for both His steadfast love and His daily, detailed providence. |
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