Henry Smith – Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!

For us Americans, Thanksgiving is a time of reflection, to show gratitude for the things God has done in our lives, to remember His providence, to ask for His protection in our lives, and to pray for our government.  At least, that was its original intent, much of which was later re-affirmed by President Lincoln.  Now, it has become a holiday about gorging ourselves with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, watching overpaid professionals throw pigskin back and forth, and frantically looking for a deal on the latest products both before, during, and after this holiday.  We will scour department stores, pluck from small businesses, take time away from our employers to shop on the internet, and (if we have anything left over) give to our local charities.  Yes, Thanksgiving has become less about offering gratitude with grateful hearts and more about consumerism.

It doesn’t have to be that way this Thanksgiving.

With that in mind, I can think of no better song to review than Henry Smith’s Give Thanks.  While I realize that most of you probably have no idea who Henry Smith is (much less this song), I grew up singing this ditty at my local congregation.  It also gave me an excuse to reminisce my childhood.

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1. What message does the song communicate?

Though short, it communicates a clear, consise, and powerful message about preparing our attitudes and our hearts for thankfulness, with an explanation as to Christ’s sacrifice as the reasoning behind it.  Though Stanza 2 contains a gaffe in regards to a historical event (see section 2), the intent is that the spiritually impoverished may find their strength in God.

Score: 9/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

Most of it does; However, one line is problematic.  Lyrics posted with permission.*

[Stanza 1]

Give thanks with a grateful heart

The proper response to God’s kindness is with a gracious attitude (see Psalm 95:1-3, Psalm 100:4, Psalm 106:1, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 118:1, 1 Chronicles 16:34, 2 Corinthians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 9:11-12, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:15-17, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, and Hebrews 12:28-29).

Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

We are thanking the Holy One because Christ has redeemed us from eternal separation from God (see Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, John 1:29, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Acts 20:28, Romans 5:6-10, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 1:3-4, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 9:26, 1 Peter 1:17-21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 1:18-19, and 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1-2, Revelation 5:9).

[Stanza 2]

And now let the weak say, “I am strong.”

Unfortunately, Smith takes Joel 3:10 out of context.  It is about God judging the nations who sold Israelites for wine and to remove them from their homeland.  He will do the same to these nations.  This song says nothing about this.

Let the poor say, “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Most likely an allusion to 2 Corinthians 8:9, speaking not of material, but spiritual poverty/wealth.  He had complete and utter connection with the Father, not lacking in anything.  When He became a man, He became limited in all the proclivities of daily human living.  In this, He made an incalculable sacrifice, forsaking His spiritual riches so that we may attain them.

Give thanks

Repeats the first part of several lines in Stanza 1.

Score: 8/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

In short, those who are not Christ followers should easily see my interpretation without any research.  Smith uses everyday language that contains action and the rationale behind it.  We are to show gratefulness because of Jesus.  It’s so simple, a child should be able to easily understand it.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It puts in center stage the power of the cross, bringing glory to God.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Henry Smith’s Give Thanks ought to remind us of why we follow Jesus and bring us back to the heart of Thanksgiving.  Though one line does take a Bible verse out of context, it nonetheless communicates a powerful message about Christ’s sacrifice and prepares us towards gratefulness, something that even unbelievers can appreciate, bringing glory to God.

Final Score: 9/10

Artist Info

Track: Give Thanks (listen to the song)

Artist: Henry Smith

Album: NA

Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Release Year: 1978

Duration: NA

Agree?  Disagree?  Don’t be shy or have a cow!  Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

*Copyright © 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Updates:

03/24/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement.