Psalms 116

Offer a Sacrifice

 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the Lord. ~ Psalms 116:17

The idea of offering a “sacrifice of thanksgiving” is so powerful because it acknowledges that thanksgiving isn’t always easy. God’s Word tells us to “Bless the Lord at all times” (Psalm 34:1), but let’s be honest, that’s not always easy to do. There are times when gratitude feels like the last thing we want to offer. Those are the moments when thanksgiving becomes a sacrifice, a deliberate choice to praise God even when we’re hurting, uncertain, or overwhelmed.

I remember vividly when this verse came alive for me. I was walking through one of the hardest seasons of my life.  I had a broken relationship with someone close to me. The betrayal, deception, and strain felt unbearable. I honestly didn’t feel thankful. My heart was heavy with anger, sadness, and a sense of hopelessness.

But in the midst of that storm, I realized something: even though I didn’t feel thankful, I still had reasons to give thanks. I had breath in my lungs, strength for each day, and the unwavering love from my heavenly Father. As hard as it was, I chose to offer up my thanksgiving as a sacrifice, trusting that God was still good even when my circumstances weren’t.

Psalm 116 reminds us that thanksgiving is not about ignoring our pain or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it’s about shifting our focus and choosing to see God’s blessings even when life feels broken.

Here are a few ways you can begin to offer your own sacrifice of thanksgiving:

1. Start with Small Gratitude’s
   Write down three things you’re thankful for each day, no matter how small they seem. It could be the sunshine, a good cup of coffee, or a kind word from a friend. As you make this a habit, you’ll begin to see God’s goodness even in difficult seasons.
2. Turn Your Worry into Worship
   When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and worship. Play a worship song that speaks to your heart, and let the lyrics become your prayer. One of my favorites is “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake.  This song is a beautiful reminder to bring God your praise, even when words fail.
3. Speak Thanksgiving Out Loud
   There’s power in speaking your gratitude aloud. In moments of frustration or pain, say, “Lord, I don’t feel thankful, but I choose to thank You because You are good. I trust You, even in this.” This act of faith shifts your perspective and brings your heart into agreement with God’s promises.
4. Pray Through Psalm 116
   Use Psalm 116 as a guide for your prayer time. Reflect on verses like 116:1-2, which remind us that God hears our cries, and 116:7, which invites us to rest in His goodness. Let the psalm lead you into a conversation with God about your struggles and your gratitude.
5. Surrender Your Pain to God
   Thanksgiving doesn’t mean ignoring your pain, but it does mean bringing it to God and trusting Him with it. Tell Him how you feel but also thank Him for the ways He is working behind the scenes, even if you can’t see it yet.

When I chose to thank God in that difficult season, something shifted in my heart. The circumstances didn’t change overnight, but my perspective did. The act of offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving reminded me that God takes care of the things I give to Him and He is always walking with me every step of the way.

As Psalm 116:12 says, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” The best thing we can give God is our trust, our gratitude, and our worship, even when it feels like a sacrifice.

Today I want to encourage you if you’re ready to take that first step toward offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving, here’s a prayer to guide you:

Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally, even when I struggle to see Your blessings in my life. I bring You my heart today, even when it is broken, weary, and uncertain.  I choose to offer You my praise. I thank You for the breath in my lungs, the hope You provide, and the promises in Your Word. Show me how to trust You in this season and to find joy in Your presence. I surrender my pain and burdens to You, knowing that You are faithful and good. Teach me to walk in gratitude, even when it feels like a sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 116

1 I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

3 The pains of death surrounded me, and the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!”

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful.

6 The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

7 Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

8 For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

10 I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.”

11 I said in my haste, “All men are liars.”

12 What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?

13 I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

14 I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

16 O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

18 I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people,

19 In the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!