Beneath a sky ablaze with dawn’s golden fire, a weary traveler pauses on a windswept hill, heart stirred by the timeless song of Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Ps. 100:1-2, ESV). The words swirl like autumn leaves, kindling a flame of gratitude that warms the soul. This is no fleeting melody—it’s a call to rejoice in Jesus Christ, the Savior who binds up brokenness and lights the way home. In Him, thanksgiving becomes a river, flowing deep and wide, a heartfelt response to every gift poured out—life, breath, love, redemption, family, friends, and the beauty of creation.
The psalm’s truth resounds: “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” (Ps. 100:3, ESV). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, standing in emerald meadows, His gentle voice calling each sheep by name. With scarred hands, He gathers the lost, His cross a radiant testament to love that claims us forever. Every sunrise, every meal, every moment of grace, every whispered prayer answered—each is a gift from His hand, stirring gratitude that spills over in songs of praise.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!” (Ps. 100:4a, ESV). Through Christ’s sacrifice, heaven’s gates swing wide, welcoming us into God’s radiant presence. Thanksgiving rises for all He provides: the air we breathe, the hope that sustains, the promise of eternity, and the fellowship of His people. His love, poured out like a crimson tide, endures forever; His faithfulness shines brighter than the stars (Psalm 100:5). So, may every heart, like that traveler, overflow with thanksgiving, a ceaseless anthem of joy for every gift, serving Jesus with gladness and proclaiming His boundless goodness to every corner of the earth.
Prayer - Heavenly Father, God of all grace, govern our hearts that we may never forget Your blessings but steadfastly thank and praise You for all Your goodness in this life until, with all Your saints, we praise You eternally in Your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Your Servant in Christ,
Rev. Brian K. Thieme
Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church Columbia, Mo.
Missouri District