We often say “thank you” quite routinely out of politeness but that does not necessarily express deep gratitude from the depth of our hearts; it merely satisfies the need to be polite. Of course that is better than not saying it at all. However there are times when we are truly grateful and our “thank you” does mean a lot. I routinely say “thank you” to the petrol pump attendant who pumps petrol for me but I am truly grateful when the cashier says I could save money if I used a particular credit card which I have but did not realise I could get a further discount with its use. I routinely say “thank you” to the cleaner at the hawker centre but I am truly grateful when he not only cleans but dries the table with a clean cloth.

When we come to God however, does He do things that we consider so routine or mundane that we also routinely say “thank you”, if we remember, that is? The answer is of course “no”. The trouble with us is that we take the ordinary but important blessings of God for granted. I go to Vietnam often and as I see the contrasts

between the life and people there and in Singapore, I realise we have much to be grateful to God. Our HDB housing have been modeled to produce high-end private apartments in Vietnam and our Budget Terminal is better than an international airport in Vietnam. Spiritually we certainly have much freedom, by comparison, to worship God and serve Christ. We are not restricted by the state to ordain pastors nor are we restricted to start churches or services. What are ordinary blessings to us are extraordinary blessings to our Vietnamese brethen. That’s why Vietnamese describe Singapore as “heaven”, a place they love to visit and send their children to study.

Today, at least, we recognise that Ascensionaires have much to thank God for. If I were to compare Ascension when I was here more than 10 years ago and today, there is much to thank God for. The church has grown, the ministries have flourished and there is a new building and extension, not to mention an air-conditioned sanctuary. I am sure when Rev McKenzie sees the church today, his heart must also well up with thanksgiving to God. Yes, today the whole church gathers for a time of thanksgiving and I am privileged to be a part of this celebration.  Personally I have to thank God also for the birth of our granddaughter last night!

It is appropriate that we have a thanksgiving in the context of a worship service. Ps 100 is a psalm of thanksgiving which the church has, for centuries, used  as an expression of worship to God. You will find it used in Jubilate in Morning Prayer. The psalmist expressed his thanksgiving through worship in vs. 1,2 and 4. This is natural because God is central to both thanksgiving and worship. When you think of either thanksgiving or worship, you naturally think about God. What better way, therefore, to give thanks to God in worship as His people. Our presence here together is a testimony of our thanksgiving to God.  So, as we give thanks to God together, we are enhancing our worship of God; we are making worship more heart-felt, more joyous, more united and certainly more pleasing to God.  Is there a better and more biblical way to worship God?

In Ps 100, the psalmist also reminds us that whatever the Lord does for us, it is not only for our sake but for His sake as well. In vs. 3, we are reminded of who God is - He is our Lord and Creator and we are His people. When He blesses us, He is shown to be none other than God Himself. So, in our offering of praise and thanksgiving, we are reminding ourselves of who God is.  We therefore praise Him for who He is, not only for what he has done for us. Our blessings come because of who God is. Our focus then is not only on what we have received but also on the One who gives and gives richly.  This perception is important for it will keep us from being self-focused and self-centred, which we tend to be, when we think of God’s blessings for us. Too often we expect from God His blessings, which we view as almost our right and therefore take God for granted, forgetting that He is the merciful, gracious and almighty God.

The third thing the psalmist reminds us is that we give thanks not only for what we have already received or what God has done. We give thanks also for what is to come in the future. In vs. 5, the psalmist tells us that “the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations”. This means that, even as we give thanks to God for past blessings, we are also to give thanks for all the future blessings to come! We know he will bless us more in the future because He is good, has enduring love, and His  faithfulness continues. We thank him in advance for all that will come in time. What a great reason, in itself, for us to thank God today! Christians are people who have hope and a sure and bright future, not only in Christ but also in God’s continuous faithfulness and love. Is there any reason therefore why we cannot have a heart of thanksgiving at all times? Is there any reason why, as we worship God, thanksgiving cannot be very much our focus? 

We have much to give thanks to God for and in so doing we are further enriched spiritually … in the worship of God, in our relationship with Him and in our future.

SK Soon