Thankfulness often doesn’t come naturally. I remember growing up and having to call my great-aunt to thank her for a birthday card with spending money that she sent. My five-year-old self dreaded that call, hoping to leave a message. My mom was diligent about teaching us to express gratitude, though, believing that these habits cultivate a thankful heart. I think she knew, too, that we learn not only to say “thank you,” but also to mature into genuinely meaning it after practicing it.
Psalm 111 illustrates this learning process as well — not for birthday gifts, but in teaching our hearts to give thanks to God. Each verse follows the Hebrew alphabet, creating an “A to Z” list of reasons to thank God for who he is and what he has done.
The psalm opens with “Praise the Lord!” And then, before explaining why to praise God, the psalmist vows, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart … and in the congregation,” shedding light on the fact that giving thanks is also a communal act. Just as families gather at a table to remember blessings, God gifts us the opportunity to worship together weekly to cultivate gratitude. Gathered in community, we remind each other to praise God from whom all blessings flow.
The psalm also points us to God’s works: “Great are the works of the LORD; studied by all who delight in them.” Teaching ourselves thanksgiving starts by paying attention. The Israelites often did this by remembering God’s remarkable acts throughout their history: the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, manna in the wilderness, and the victory in the Promised Land. Reflecting on past faithfulness turns into present gratitude.
Today we often name our blessings — harvest, health, family, and friends — especially on Thanksgiving.
Even in difficult times, Christians reflect on the greatest gift: God’s redemption through Jesus Christ. Psalm 111 states, “He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever.” Gratitude grows as we remember not just what God has done in our lives but also his gift of eternal salvation.
The psalm also draws our attention to God’s words: “The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy.”
In a world of constant change and uncertainty, God’s promises are steady. His words are “steadfast forever,” providing a solid foundation for our gratitude.
Finally, Psalm 111 reminds us that gratitude is not just polite — it’s wise. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” To stand in awe of God’s power, holiness, and goodness enables us to see life clearly, and this wisdom expresses itself through thanksgiving. A thankful heart is wiser, more grounded, and less prone to grumbling.
Thanksgiving Day may come once a year, but Psalm 111 invites us into a lifelong — and everlasting — practice of thanksgiving, allowing us to thank God from A to Z.
Maybe next week you could go around the table with each taking a letter of the alphabet and begin teaching thanksgiving to one another from A to Z.
