A Thankful Heart

My husband and I are following a plan to read through the Bible in one year. As we read portions of the Psalms I am blessed by the words of praise and thanks giving. 

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.

For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
you cover him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-1

The people of Israel did not have their own copy of the Psalms. Instead, they were led to recite them in songs of praise. I like to think of the faithful ascending the steps to the temple while reciting the Psalms.

It lifts our spirits to praise God and give thanks.

William Tyndale translated the Bible into English and was martyred for his efforts. He wrote these words about the New Testament.

Euagelio (that we cal gospel) is a greke worde,
and signyfyth good, mery, glad and joyfull tydings,
that maketh a mannes hert glad,
and maketh him synge, duance and leepe for ioye.

We have the gospel now in our own hands and can rejoice!

Fanny Crosby was blind but she praised the Lord in song. She wrote the hymn To God Be the Glory.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

Here is an excellent verse to remember. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Kate’s prompt for Five Minute Friday is : WORSHIP. Also sharing this link with Sweet Tea and Friends and Grace and Truth and Senior Salon Pit Stop and Tuesdays with a Twist .