Worship – an Expression of Thanks

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

─ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV

The Old Testament contains eleven Hebrew words for praise; seven of them are expressions of thankfulness:

• Barak – to kneel in thanksgiving.
• Halal – to give thanks.
• Zamar – to give thanks with a musical instrument.
• Todah – a thanksgiving choir.
• Tehillah – to sing a song of praises.
• Yahah – to give thanks with outstretched hands.
• Shabach – to give thanks in a loud tone.

Our verses today encourage us to be joyous in every season with prayer and thanksgiving. When you get a picture of the kind of worship you can give to God, that focus shakes off the heaviness of life’s circumstances and helps you have a big picture of what matters most – your relationship with your Father.

Worship is an expression of thanks. Imagine yourself coming into the presence of your heavenly Father like a choir soloist, singing in a loud tone, giving thanks with your hands lifted in praise, eventually kneeling before Him in grateful reverence.

Your Father appreciates extravagant, thanksgiving and praise.

Today’s One Thing

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 challenges us to worship God with unbounded joy, praying continually, and giving thanks to God no matter what happens in our lives. Practice new expressions of thanksgiving in your time with God this week.

Receive Devotionals like This in Your Email