If you had lived during the Thirty Years’ War, could you have praised God? This war occurred from 1618-48 and was the last of the great religious wars of Europe, a conflict that began between Protestants and Roman Catholics. But before it was over it spread from Germany, where it began, over most of Europe—and became a general struggle for territory and political power.

During the horrors of the Thirty Years’ War, Pastor Martin Rinkart faithfully served the people in Eilenburg, Saxony. He conducted as many as 40 funerals a day, a total of over 4,000 during his ministry. Yet out of this devastating experience, he wrote a “table grace” for his children which today we use as a hymn of thanksgiving:

Now thank we all our God,
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom His world rejoices!

The Apostle Paul learned that praise is an important factor in achieving victory when all around was dark and the future unknown. He learned that “praise changes things” just as much as “prayer changes things.”

Praise God because He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Praise Him because He is the Father of mercies! Praise Him because He is the God of all comfort!

Today’s verse: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High; to show forth Thy loving kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night” (Psalms 92:1-2).

Reflect on: 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3.

Action assignment: List five of the greatest blessings you can think of, and thank God for them.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in