Inspiration Behind Thankful:
“Thankful” was written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, and Richard Page. Besides being acclaimed song writers, Josh was moved by Thankful’s transformative power of gratitude. This theme resonated with Josh’s own beliefs and life experiences.
Biblical Application:
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, Ephesians 1:15-18.
Exegesis of Thankful:
Somedays, we forget to look around us
Somedays, we can’t see the joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give
Busyness causes individuals to become self-absorbed. This selfish state of mind results in taking, not giving.
So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can’t see
It’s up to us, to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There’s so much to be thankful for
A change in focus, praying for who God wants us to be. Hopeful to be transformed into an agent of thankfulness.
Look beyond ourselves
There’s so much sorrow
It’s way to late to say, I’ll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
It’s so long overdue
Stop and look around you. Help those in need by becoming vessels of love and truth.
So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And everyday, we hope for
What we still can’t see
Praying to become the person God created you to be. Hoping that change will come for the better.
It’s up to us, to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There’s so much to be thankful for
Enjoy the moment as you wait to become the person you desire to be. Be thankful for the little things in life.
Even with our differences
There is a place we’re all connected
Each of us can find each other’s light
Focus on what we have in common, not our differences. Be a light in a world full of darkness.
So for tonight, we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day, we hope for
What we still can’t see
It’s up to us, to be the change
And even though this world needs so much more
There’s so much to be thankful for
Turn to God in prayer to be transformed into a vessel of thankfulness. Believe and hope as you wait for God to make you into a more thankful person.
Final Thoughts:
One of my first Christian friends in high school, Mindy, introduced me to Christian music. Although we were never in the same group of friends, she was a light for Jesus in my high school. Mindy and her friend Michelle weren’t preachy. Rather, both were encouraging, hopeful and positive people. I believe these are the individuals that Josh was referring to as he sung Thankful. As you wait for God to transform you, be thankful for each new day God provides.
by Jay Mankus
