A Psalm for Giving Thanks

We have now entered “that magical week” of Thanksgiving. It kicks off the holiday season and is a time to pause and reflect on all that God provides for us.

The traditional thought on the origins of Psalm 100 is that it was composed as a hymn of thanksgiving for use in public worship at the temple in ancient Israel. Scholars and Jewish tradition attribute it to the era of King David or shortly afterward, though the psalm itself does not specify an author. It is part of the larger collection of psalms (Psalms 93–100) often referred to as the “Enthronement Psalms,” which celebrate the kingship and sovereignty of God.

To whom should we give thanks?

Psalm 100:1 (ESV):

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

What does “making a joyful noise” mean to you?
- Does this mean only with a group on Sunday morning?
- How do you “make a joyful noise” in your daily life?
Why do you think the psalmist calls “all lands” to worship God?
Can we still make a “joyful noise” in hard times? How?
In what ways can worship be more than just words or songs?

Psalm 100:2 (ESV):

Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

What does it mean to “serve the Lord with gladness”?
- Do you ever feel that your service to God is dutiful or burdensome?
- Do you recall Jonathan’s mnemonic, WEARY?
  - What does “weary” mean?
  - What is a way we can combat “weary” service?
Are you excited to come to God’s house and to be with His people?

We have every reason to be excited, joyful, and happy! We have:

His presence
His son
His family
His love

Come into his presence with singing!

Psalm 100:3 (ESV):

Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

What does it mean to “know that the Lord is God”?
What does this verse say about our dependence on God versus self-reliance?
What does this verse say about our relationship to God?
- Jack talked about our “privileged position” - what do you understand this to mean?

Psalm 100:4 (ESV):

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Jack talked about the “y’all” idea in this verse.
- How does this verse connect to the communal aspect of worship?
- Why is it important to praise God both individually and collectively?
What are practical ways to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving in everyday life?
- Can you share examples of times when gratitude transformed your perspective?

Psalm 100:5 (ESV):

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

What does it mean to you personally that “the Lord is good”?
- How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life?
How do you see God’s goodness, love, and faithfulness working together in this verse?
- Why are these qualities significant in shaping our understanding of who God is?
In what ways can you reflect God’s goodness, love, and faithfulness in your life?
- How can these attributes guide your interactions and relationships?
How does the declaration that God’s truth spans all generations inspire you?
- What role do you play in passing this truth to the next generation?