“And on that day you will say, ‘Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.’ Praise the LORD in song, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth.” Isaiah 12:4-5

I have a confession. When Nov. 1 rolls around, I’m typically almost constantly replaying the lyrics of “Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart” in my head. Over and over they go. Sometimes a faint hum slips from my lips… There’s nothing quite like the season of thanksgiving.

Do you know the tune? It’s catchy. Do you know the lyrics? They’re joyous. Do you know the story behind it? It’s inspiring. 

“Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.

And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,
let the poor say ‘I am rich’,
because of what the Lord has done for us;
and now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,
let the poor say ‘I am rich’,
because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks…”

“Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart” was written in 1978, by Henry Smith. The song was his only published worship song out of 300 unpublished compositions! Smith penned the piece after having trouble finding work following his graduation from university. Smith had a degenerative condition that eventually left him legally blind.

While at his church in Williamsburg Virginia, his pastor inspired him with a reference to how Jesus made Himself poor to make others rich through Him.

What a testament this song is to what the Lord has done! I’m certainly grateful.