BE THANKFUL UNTO HIM

BE THANKFUL UNTO HIM

Sometimes I wish that the original text of the Bible would have been written in English instead of Hebrew and Greek. Sometimes there are precious jewels which are lost in the process of translation. Today I wondered about Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

I wondered about the two words, and their respective meanings. "Thanksgiving" comes from a Hebrew word which is used frequently with the word "sacrifice". It is also used to denote the lifting up or stretching forth of the hands, in an attitude of worship. Perhaps "worship" would be closest to its real intent.

"Thankful" comes from a Hebrew which also carries the thought of extending the hands, but more in praise and vocal confession (declaring) the goodness of God.

It is used "shoot" one time, as "sending out" hands and mouth in testimony to God. In the original language, it carrys the thought of a weapon in battle. Our giving of thanks to God is the essence of lobbing grenades into the camp of the enemy.

Conversely, a lack of thankfulness, or a lack of expressing thanks, can leave us vulnerable to evil forces.

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Psalms 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. [This] also shall please the LORD better than an ox [or] bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see [this, and] be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.

A scripture came to my mind last evening. II Corinthians 4:15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Paul was telling the Corinthian saints that his labors and pains, coupled with their giving of thanks would be to the glory of God. His "light afflictions" were working toward an Eternal weight of glory.

To me, it is telling us that a great deal is hinged upon our attitude of Thanksgiving, or a lack of it. II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him.

Two other scriptures were quickened to me also last night. They have to do with our attitude and relationship to God. Look at them with me.
Psalms 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

Psalms 147:11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Quite a combination-- Thanksgiving, a heart that is perfect toward Him-- fearin Him-- hoping in His Mercy.

Sounds like a winner to me!