Psalm 65, A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Psalm 65, A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Introduction (Psalm 65:1–13)
Psalm 65 teaches us that thanksgiving should be daily, not seasonal. In this psalm, David reminds us to thank God for forgiveness, creation, and His provisions, helping us live in gratitude every day.

Thankful for God’s Forgiveness and Spiritual Blessings (Psalm 65:1–5)
David begins with vows and prayers. Vows in his time expressed thanksgiving through action. Our gratitude today is also seen in how we use what God has given us. Do we show thankfulness by offering our lives and possessions to Him?

David praises God as the One who hears prayer. To pray to the Creator of the universe is no small privilege. James 5:16 reminds us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. God not only listens, but He answers in the very best way because He is all-wise and all-knowing. That truth alone should cause us to overflow with gratitude.

Then David acknowledges that God provides atonement for sins. He didn’t leave us in our sins but put in place His plan of redemption that runs from Genesis to the cross. In Psalm 51, David prayed for mercy, confident that God would forgive. Today we rejoice that Jesus Christ is the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:2). He volunteered to suffer, bleed, and die so that we might be forgiven.

Verse 4 proclaims that those who are called may dwell in God’s courts. We are chosen not by random selection, but through the gospel call. Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:14 that we are called by the gospel to share in Christ’s glory. Ephesians 1:4–7 explains that in Christ we are chosen, redeemed, and forgiven. That is why we are thankful—we belong to Him.

Finally, David thanks God for His continuing acts of righteousness. He not only forgives us today but promises ongoing forgiveness as we confess and repent. Gratitude flows from knowing salvation is secure in Christ.

Thankful for God’s Creation (Psalm 65:5b–8)
David shifts from forgiveness to creation, praising God’s power in the mountains, the seas, and the signs of His handiwork. The mountains display strength and permanence. The seas, with all their roaring power, are under God’s control. Even a hurricane—equal to the force of thousands of nuclear bombs—bows to His command.

Creation is designed perfectly for life. The earth is exactly the right distance from the sun. The moon is the right size and distance to regulate tides. The atmosphere has the perfect oxygen balance to sustain life and prevent destruction. Even the angle of the water molecule was designed so life could exist. Romans 1:20 declares that His invisible attributes are clearly seen, leaving all humanity without excuse.

Every sunrise and sunset proclaims God’s glory. From the farthest reaches of the earth, people see the evidence of a Creator who deserves thanksgiving.

Thankful for God’s Provisions (Psalm 65:9–13)
The psalm closes with thanksgiving for God’s provisions. He waters the earth, enriches the soil, and provides grain. Farmers plant and prepare, but God gives the sunshine and rain. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:10 that God supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, multiplying our harvest.

Every season reflects His goodness. Genesis 8:22 gives God’s covenant promise: while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will not cease. The pastures clothed with flocks and valleys covered with grain rejoice, and so should we.

The evidence of God’s goodness surrounds us. From forgiveness to creation to provision, all of Psalm 65 calls us to thanksgiving.

Psalm 65, A Psalm of Thanksgiving Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Psalm 65:1–13)

  • Thanksgiving is daily, not yearly

  • Psalm 65 calls us to thankfulness in three areas: forgiveness, creation, provision

• Thankful for God’s Forgiveness and Spiritual Blessings (Psalm 65:1–5)

  • Vows and gratitude expressed through action

  • God hears prayer (James 5:16)

  • Atonement for sins provided through Christ (Psalm 51; 1 John 2:2)

  • Called by the gospel to dwell in God’s courts (2 Thessalonians 2:14; Ephesians 1:4–7)

  • God’s ongoing forgiveness through Christ’s righteousness

• Thankful for God’s Creation (Psalm 65:5b–8)

  • Mountains display strength and permanence

  • Seas and storms are under God’s control

  • Fine-tuned design of the earth, moon, atmosphere, and water molecule

  • Creation leaves humanity without excuse (Romans 1:20)

  • Sunrises and sunsets rejoice in His power

• Thankful for God’s Provisions (Psalm 65:9–13)

  • God waters and enriches the earth

  • Farmers labor with God’s blessing (2 Corinthians 9:10)

  • Every season displays His goodness

  • God’s covenant promise of seedtime and harvest (Genesis 8:22)

  • Creation itself rejoices in His provision

Call to Action
Psalm 65 challenges us to live with thanksgiving every day. God forgives our sins, sustains His creation, and provides our needs. Let us respond with prayers of gratitude, lives of obedience, and hearts full of joy. More than anything, let us thank Him for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who makes salvation possible.

Key Takeaways

• God hears and answers prayer (Psalm 65:2; James 5:16).

• He provides atonement through Christ (Psalm 65:3; 1 John 2:2).

• We are called and chosen by the gospel (Psalm 65:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:14).

• Creation clearly reveals God’s power (Psalm 65:6–8; Romans 1:20).

• God provides for all through His covenant promise (Psalm 65:9–13; Genesis 8:22).

Scripture Reference List

• Psalm 65:1–13 – David’s psalm of thanksgiving.

• James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift is from above.

• James 5:16 – The prayer of a righteous person avails much.

• Psalm 51:1–2 – David’s prayer of repentance.

• 1 John 2:2 – Jesus as the atoning sacrifice.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:14 – Called by the gospel.

• Ephesians 1:4–7 – Chosen and redeemed in Christ.

• Romans 1:20 – Creation reveals God’s power.

• 2 Corinthians 9:10 – God supplies seed to the sower.

• Genesis 8:22 – God’s covenant with creation.

• John 3:16 – God’s ultimate gift of love.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO