Daily Water

By Mary Stout

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although he was rich, he became poor for our sakes, so that you could become rich through his poverty. (2 Corinthians 8:9 CEB)

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”

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given 

Jesus Christ, His Son.

This song is one that I sing frequently. It’s a worship song that carries me to Jesus every time I sing it. When it came to mind the other day, I wondered how such a beautiful song was written.

In 1978, Henry Smith was a seminary graduate. He was going through a tough time in his life after being diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that would lead to  becoming legally blind. Still, his faith in the Lord stood strong. One Sunday after hearing a sermon based on II Corinthians 8:9 he sat down and wrote “Give Thanks”.  He said he just felt he should give thanks in spite of circumstances. 

After all, Jesus came to be one of us so that we could become more like him.  His sacrifice is our glory. He didn’t have to love us this much. But he did. Give thanks. 

Prayer: Father fill us with grateful hearts, that we may praise and glorify you each day. Thank you for sending your son to us. May we reflect his Light each day. In Jesus name, Amen