April 4

" O h, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"

Psalms 107:8; Psalms 107:15; Psalms 107:21; Psalms 107:31

Four times in Psalms 107 we have these same words, calling for praise and thanksgiving. Elsewhere we read, “Praise from the upright is beautiful” (Psalms 33:1), and again we are told, “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me” (Psalms 50:23). Praise is the spontaneous outcome of a grateful heart that has experienced the saving grace of God and recognizes His providential dealings and Fatherly care day by day. It is strange indeed that we should need to be urged to praise. But we are so prone to be forgetful of the source of our mercies and to rejoice in the gifts (which we so readily take for granted) rather than in the Giver Himself, who is worthy of our constant adoration. How often we pray for blessings and forget to give thanks when our cries are heard!

Our Father, we give thanks to Thee

That Thou hast given to us food

And shelter, hast supplied our needs

And brought our hearts to joyous mood.

Yet we do thank Thee more, that if

These temporal things should fail, and we

Be hungry, naked, desolate,

We still could place our trust in Thee;

And know that though the darkness come,

The dawning is not far away,

And Thou whose mercy cannot cease,

Will bring to us the light of day.

—Clara Aiken Speor