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Psalm 100:1–5 — “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Psalm 100 is often called the “Old Hundredth,” a timeless call to thanksgiving and worship. It reminds us that gratitude is not confined to a holiday, but is the natural response of God’s people to His goodness. From the opening call to make a joyful noise, to the closing declaration of His eternal mercy and truth, this psalm is a song of grateful worship.

Notice that thanksgiving here is not passive—it is active. We are told to shout joyfully, to serve gladly, to sing, and to enter His presence with thanksgiving. Gratitude is not simply a feeling in the heart; it is expressed in action. True thankfulness overflows into worship, service, and praise.

The foundation for gratitude lies in God Himself. We are reminded to “know ye that the Lord he is God.” He made us, sustains us, and claims us as His people. Sheep do not provide for themselves; they depend entirely on their shepherd. Likewise, we depend on God for every breath, every blessing, every need. Gratitude grows when we remember our utter dependence on Him.

We are also told to bless His name because of His character: He is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures. Unlike fleeting pleasures or unstable circumstances, God’s goodness and faithfulness never change. Gratitude flows when we anchor our hearts in who God is, not just in what He gives.

This psalm paints worship as entering into God’s gates and courts. Gratitude is the doorway into His presence. A thankless heart is distant from God, but a thankful heart draws near with joy. Thanksgiving opens the door to deeper communion with Him.

The call is universal: “all ye lands.” Every nation, every people, every generation is summoned to gratitude. Thanksgiving is not cultural but spiritual—it is the eternal language of worship. In heaven, redeemed voices from every tribe and tongue will bless His name forever.

As we begin this month of thanksgiving, let us heed the psalmist’s call. Let us make a joyful noise, serve with gladness, and come before Him with singing. Gratitude is not optional; it is the rightful response of the redeemed.