Every year I enjoy a friendly fuss with those who start playing Christmas music the moment Halloween ends. I’m not trying to be grumpy, just simply attempting to slow down the rocket-speed jump from orange-and-black to red-and-green that our secular culture seems to love. Before we leap into Christmas, it’s good for our souls to pause and recognize the blessings God has poured out over the past year. A heart seasoned with gratitude is far better prepared to handle the joys and the stresses that December often brings.

To help “prime the pump” of praise in your heart, let me draw your attention to “Old One-Hundredth,” better known as Psalm 100. This short psalm was used in Israel’s temple worship as part of their “thank” or “peace” offerings, and it still speaks deeply to the posture of gratitude God desires from His people.

1. Thanksgiving should be universal.

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.”

This opening line isn’t a suggestion it’s a command for the entire world. Yet most of humanity ignores it, failing to recognize that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Romans 1:21 laments that fallen humanity “neither were they thankful,” and we still see that disease of ingratitude everywhere today.

So as you go about your week- at work, in the community, around the neighborhood, intentionally speak words of gratitude to God. Let thanksgiving slip naturally into your conversations. Thank Him for small blessings, unexpected kindnesses, and ordinary mercies. You never know who might be reminded that the Lord is the Giver of every blessing.

2. Thanksgiving should be active.

“Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.”

Gratitude is never meant to stay hidden in the heart. True thanksgiving overflows, first in joyful service to others and then in heartfelt worship before God. A grateful heart finds its delight in following Jesus. Two simple, powerful ways to say “Thank You, Lord” are:

• Using your gifts and abilities to bless others

• Lifting your voice in praise during corporate worship

Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. Think of thanksgiving as an invitation, one that makes Jesus feel at home in your heart.

3. Thanksgiving should be intelligent.

“Know that the LORD, He is God.”

Gratitude grows when we take time to reflect on who God is. Psalm 100 reminds us that “It is He who made us, and we are His.” Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “The highest science… the mightiest philosophy… is the name, the nature, the person, the work, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.”

But how easily we lose sight of these truths. Lesser things distract us. We get caught in the tyranny of the urgent and forget the beauty, grandeur, and wonder of the Lord.

During this Thanksgiving week, I encourage you to pause and ponder the attributes of God. Meditate on His goodness. Let “Old One-Hundredth” become fresh again as you lift sincere thanks to your Creator.