Psalm 66 throbs with praise and thanksgiving like voltage from a huge electric generator. From its initial burst of “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!” (v. 1) to its conclusion of “Blessed be God Who has not turned away my prayer nor His mercy from me!” (v. 20), this psalm pulsates with praise.
In verses 5 and 6, the writer reflects upon the past and the joyous gratitude God thus deserves. Here it is written, “Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him.”
In verses 7 through 9, the psalmist ponders upon the ever-present sovereignty and omniscience of the Almighty and the joyous gratitude God thus deserves. Here it is written, “He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living and does not allow our feet to be moved.”
In the lives of God’s children, thanksgiving is to be an ongoing current. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) is God’s explicit expectation. God’s past actions of deliverance and His present sovereignty and omniscience provide an endless source for the flow of thanksgiving from our hearts and lips.
Thanksgiving ought not flow like a feeble current from our hearts and lips; it ought to pour forth like a mighty river at flood level.
