Now Thank We All Our God

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

Psalm 75:1

Martin Rinkart pastored in Eilenberg, Saxony, during the Thirty Years War. The Swedish army surrounded the gates; and inside the walls, there was nothing but plague, famine, and fear. There was a tremendous strain on the pastors, who expended all their strength preaching the Gospel, caring for the sick, and burying the dead. One after another, the pastors themselves perished until at last only Martin was left. Some days he conducted as many as fifty funerals.

When the Swedes demanded a huge ransom, Martin left the safety of the city walls to negotiate, and there was soon a conclusion of hostilities. Knowing there is no healing without thanksgiving, Martin composed a hymn for the survivors of Eilenberg:

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things hath done, in whom His world rejoices . . .

It’s been sung around the world ever since and is one of our greatest thanksgiving hymns. This is a time to focus our attention on God, who is the giver of all good things, and to thank Him for what is left, not what is lost.

Today, thank your God with heart and hands and voice.