11/02/2022
Mid-Week Thought
As we approach this month where we focus on being thankful let me share the lyrics of the world's most popular contemporary hymn.
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
Give thanks with a grateful heart (with a grateful heart)
Give thanks to the Holy One (to the Holy One)
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
These are the words of a song written by Henry Smith in 1978. Though he composed 300 other songs this was the only one published. Smith wrote this at a time he was struggling to find work after having just graduated from seminary. He also struggled with failing eyesight due to a degenerative condition that led to him becoming legally blind. Upon complete his schooling and unable to find steady work he returned home to Williamsburg, VA.
Smith never lost hope. Hearing his pastor share this verse “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet four sakes he became poor so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
(1 Corinthians 8-9) he penned the song of thanksgiving and trust. He later called it “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart.”
Beloved, may we each remember the admonition given by Paul as he penned 1 Thess 5:18 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” In the good times and those that might not be so good, Give Thanks for He is worthy of all honor, glory and praise from His saints.