“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.” (Psalm 107:21–22, NKJV)

In Psalm 107, the psalmist calls people to give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, not once, but five times! He paints the picture of people being in dire circumstances when they cried out to the LORD, and then the LORD delivered them. Again and again, God proved Himself faithful and worthy of praise.

“Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons—because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High…” (Psalm 107:10–11, NKJV)

At times we sit in darkness not knowing what to do. It is possible that we have come to this place because of our own stubbornness and unwillingness to listen to God. The devil is always there to point out our faults and condemn us. He seeks to isolate us and make us feel that God is done with us. But we forget that even when we are naughty children, God’s heart is for us and not against us. He desires to save us, for He is endlessly compassionate and merciful. But He waits for us to repent and cry out to Him for help.

The psalmist proves that God delivers His people, not because they are worthy, but because of His own goodness. Therefore, He is worthy that we should offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and joyfully declare His wonderful works. We no longer offer burnt offerings on the altar, but we can always offer Him sacrifices of praise. When we are in the pits, emotionally distraught, or feeling wounded by others, we don’t feel like giving God thanks. That is why it is considered a sacrifice.

Remember what Asaph said in Psalm 73:

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25–26, NKJV)

Let us begin the day remembering all that God has done for us in the past, thanking Him for His presence in the present, and trusting Him for His gracious salvation in the future!