Devotionals for the Heart: How to write a psalm of Thanksgiving

Writing Your Own Psalm of Thanksgiving
A devotional by Joy Beless

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”—Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

Much like the fall winds that tug at the leaves on the trees outside my window, so has change come to our family and loved ones.

I will be setting two fewer dinner plates at our table this Thanksgiving. I know I’m not the only one. As much as I want the beautiful tablescape, delicious traditional menu, and smiling faces around my table, the reality cannot be ignored. This year has been marked by loss, grief, and difficult circumstances. I want to honor the loss of loved ones before moving on to the festive table chatter. Much like noticing the fallen leaves before raking them into a pile for my grandchildren to jump in.

I need to step away and take some time to care for my soul and prepare for this hectic but meaningful holiday season. I spend hours preparing the holiday meal, my house, and décor before our loved ones joyfully come through the door announcing their arrival. Likewise, I want to care for my soul to receive my guests from an authentic place of peace and hope, not a cultivated artificial smile.

How do I do this? I begin with a ritual every November of writing my own psalm, patterning after the biblical psalms. There are six different kinds of psalms in the Bible, including those of thanksgiving, which are divided between personal prayers and prayers for the nation of Israel. Written by King David, the psalms are rich in description and often are ones we still sing today. While we generally associate thankful songs as happy and upbeat, a closer look at the personal psalms of David reveals something different. Psalm 30 (referenced above) is written in an authentic and reflective tone. As he looks back, David recalls being “lifted out of the depths” by God and not letting his enemies boast (verse 1), sparing him from sliding into a pit of despair (verse 3) and crying for God’s mercy (verse 8).

David also contrasts calling for God’s help and experiencing his healing (verse 2), God’s anger and his favor, weeping and joy (verse 5), and wailing and dancing (verse 11). Lastly, David mentions singing or praising God five times throughout the twelve verses. As David reflects on a painful and difficult season of his life, he sees the faithfulness, deliverance, and restoring power of God through it all and repeatedly praises Him.

As I consider writing my own psalm of thanksgiving, I will not think too hard about how it sounds or if the grammar is correct, but rather let it simply flow from my thoughts and allow the raw emotions to run through my arm, hand, and pen onto the paper. I may include laments, confessions, and prayers answered and unanswered. As thoughts of God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout this time rise in my soul, I jot those down too. When I recall sweet memories of those who are absent, that also goes on the paper.

My objective is not to have a beautifully crafted psalm for generations to read but rather an outpouring of my soul as an offering for God, who is the sustainer of hope through it all. The words may be something I read to a few close people, but most often will be an entry into my private journal.

When Thanksgiving in the USA ends and I begin to purchase and wrap Christmas gifts, I usually feel an invitation from God to set aside some time to reflect and write down a psalm of thanksgiving and gratitude. I feel encouraged to embrace the season of gratitude similar to the “selah” pause in the Psalms, a reset for my soul. Henri Nouwen said, “Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice.” I agree completely with this sentiment.

It is a choice to come to the festive table with a lighter soul and a heart overflowing for the many ways I experienced the love and hope of God. I mentioned the two empty place settings at our table this year, but I’m so very grateful for the two additional place settings that I will add once my two grandbabies can move from their mother’s laps into the high chairs. And for that I’m very grateful and praising God!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

You have been faithful in the highs and the lows of the past year. Your strength has sustained me, and your love preserves my hope. I am grateful and thankful for so many things, including your presence on the journey.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Sovereign” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 

A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

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Connect with Joy:
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Website: www.joybeless.org