Janet Paschal - We Say Thank You Lyrics + Chords
Lyrics
For the bright sunny days of the summer
For the cool windy nights of the fall
For the dark rainy clouds, we come under
Father, You've given them all
For the seasons when joy is a river
For the seasons when no water flows
We trust You when You are the giver
Of either the thorns or the rose
We say thank You
We say thank You
There's perfect wisdom
In all that You do
A purpose for everything
You lead us through
So whatever life brings
Whatever You choose
We say thank You, oh...
Whether prayers are so wonderfully answered
Or whether silence is heard
Whether it's comfort or it's conviction
We find in Your holy Word
When the words are so easily spoken
Or when they're so hard to say
No matter what we are feeling
We trust You, so either way
We say thank You
We say thank You
There's perfect wisdom
In all that You do
A purpose for everything
You lead us through
So whatever life brings
Whatever You choose
We say thank You
In all things You work for our good
So come what may
Lord, we say thank You
We say thank You
There's perfect wisdom
In all that You do
A purpose for everything
You lead us through
So whatever life brings
Whatever You choose
We say thank You
We say thank You
Lord, we thank You
We say thank You
Video
We Say "Thank You"
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on March 14, 2014, Janet Paschal’s "We Say Thank You" emerges not just as a song but as a profound declaration of faith, anchoring itself in the timeless truth of divine sovereignty. It immediately draws the worshiper into a posture of gratitude that transcends superficial circumstances, inviting a deep reflection on God's unwavering presence and purpose in every facet of life. The song begins by acknowledging the full spectrum of creation and experience, noting, "For the bright sunny days of the summer, For the cool windy nights of the fall, For the dark rainy clouds, we come under, Father, You've given them all." This opening stanza beautifully captures the biblical truth found in passages like James 1:17, which reminds us that "every good and perfect gift is from above," implicitly extending to all seasons of life, even those perceived as difficult. It sets the stage for a gratitude that encompasses both comfort and challenge, recognizing God as the ultimate provider and orchestrator of all things, from the refreshing rain to the comforting warmth, mirroring how God makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45).
The narrative of "We Say Thank You" then ventures into the more personal landscapes of human emotion and spiritual journey, observing, "For the seasons when joy is a river, For the seasons when no water flows, We trust You when You are the giver Of either the thorns or the rose." This powerful imagery speaks directly to the reality of life's ebb and flow, where times of abundant blessing ("joy is a river" or "the rose") are interspersed with periods of barrenness or pain ("no water flows" or "the thorns"). Far from a simplistic call for happiness, the song advocates for a radical trust in God’s wisdom during both plenty and want, echoing Paul’s contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13) and Job's profound declaration, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). It’s an invitation to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving not *for* the trials themselves, but *in* them, recognizing that even the thorns serve a divine purpose, refining character and deepening faith. This echoes 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which urges us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
The heart of the song resides in its resounding chorus: "We say thank You, There's perfect wisdom In all that You do, A purpose for everything You lead us through. So whatever life brings, Whatever You choose, We say thank You." This central message is a profound theological statement, asserting God’s absolute wisdom and sovereign purpose behind every event. It aligns perfectly with Romans 8:28, a cornerstone verse for many believers, which states, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The song compels us to look beyond immediate understanding, trusting that God's plans are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that His wisdom is perfect, even when ours cannot fully grasp it (Proverbs 3:5-6). It's a surrender to divine prerogative, acknowledging that genuine gratitude stems from a deep conviction in God's unerring nature and His loving intent for His children.
Moving into deeper spiritual territory, the song addresses the varied experiences of prayer and revelation: "Whether prayers are so wonderfully answered Or whether silence is heard, Whether it's comfort or it's conviction We find in Your holy Word, When the words are so easily spoken Or when they're so hard to say, No matter what we are feeling, We trust You, so either way." This verse is particularly insightful, acknowledging the often-complex journey of faith where God's answers might manifest as clear provision, perceived silence, soothing comfort, or even challenging conviction. It bravely confronts the moments when faith is stretched, when God's timing or methods are not what we expect. Yet, through all these varied spiritual encounters, the song maintains the steadfast commitment to trust. This resilience reflects the faith required to seek God diligently, even when His voice seems quiet (Hebrews 11:6), and the understanding that Scripture provides both comfort and instruction for righteousness, which may involve conviction (2 Timothy 3:16). It also touches on the difficulty of expressing faith in moments of great personal struggle, reminding us that God understands our unuttered groans (Romans 8:26) and our struggles with difficult prayers, just as Christ prayed in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39).
The bridge powerfully reinforces the song's foundational theology: "In all things You work for our good, So come what may." This concise yet potent declaration serves as a culmination of the song’s message, directly referencing and embracing the promise of Romans 8:28. It is a triumphant affirmation that no matter the circumstance, no matter the season, no matter the perceived outcome, a believer can stand firm in the knowledge that God is intricately involved, meticulously weaving all experiences together for a redemptive and beneficial purpose. "We Say Thank You" ultimately delivers a robust and enduring message: genuine gratitude is not conditional upon favorable outcomes, but rather a profound expression of trust in a perfectly wise and sovereign God who orchestrates all things for our ultimate good and His glory. It is a musical sermon, inspiring genuine thankfulness that perseveres through joy and sorrow, through answered prayers and perceived silence, guiding the soul toward an unshakeable faith in the Father's unfailing love and purpose.