For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
I’ve had a song playing over and over in my head for the past few days. I’m in no way a singer but you’ll often times hear me humming a tune. The song has a very simple title, “Give Thanks” with two basic and simple stanzas repeated a number of times:
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks
We give thanks to You
The story behind this well-known praise song is perhaps even more inspirational than the lyrics. In 1978, a young seminary graduate named Henry Smith was struggling to find work and coming to terms with a degenerative eye condition that would eventually leave him legally blind. Despite those hardships, Henry found hope in 2 Corinthians 8:9 and penned “Give Thanks,” one of the most beloved songs of our time. And now let the weak say, ‘I am strong’; Let the poor say, ‘I am rich’ because of what the Lord has done.
Years later, a young worship leader named Don Moen would record Henry’s song, helping to carry it around the world. Today, you can hum “Give Thanks” at almost any church in the world, no matter the country or the language, and someone will recognize this simple song of thanksgiving and trust.