Steffany Gretzinger - Give Thanks Lyrics

Give Thanks

Give Thanks Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Steffany Gretzinger's song "Give Thanks," released with a video on November 5, 2021, presents a straightforward yet powerful message centered on the fundamental act of gratitude towards God. The core of the song is an unwavering declaration of thanks, specifically directed "to the Holy One" and rooted in the profound reason that "He's given Jesus Christ, His Son." This central theme is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the gift of Jesus as the ultimate cause for thanksgiving, serving as the foundation for all other blessings and transformations that follow. The song functions as a communal affirmation, inviting listeners to join in this expression of gratitude.

Building upon this foundation of gratitude for Christ, the song introduces a transformative declaration: "And now let the weak say, 'I am strong,' Let the poor say, 'I am rich, Because of what the Lord has done for us.'" This section highlights the change in identity and status that believers experience not because of their own merit or worldly circumstances, but specifically "Because of what the Lord has done for us." It speaks to a spiritual reality where identity is redefined through faith in God's finished work, echoing biblical themes of finding strength in God despite personal weakness and spiritual richness in Christ despite material poverty. This transformative aspect is presented as a direct consequence of the initial reason for giving thanks – the Lord's action.

The song's structure reinforces its message through repetition, creating a meditative and worshipful atmosphere. The repeated call to "Give thanks" serves as both an instruction and an expression, drawing the listener into an active posture of gratitude. This act of thanksgiving is not based on fleeting feelings or circumstances, but on the unchanging truth of God's past action in sending Jesus Christ. The transformation mentioned in the verse ("weak are strong," "poor are rich") then becomes a living testament to the power of that initial gift, further solidifying the grounds for continuous thanks.

Biblical references underpin the themes present in "Give Thanks." The call to constant thanksgiving is a recurring theme in scripture, such as in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which instructs believers to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." The concept of strength in weakness is found in passages like 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where the Apostle Paul speaks of God's power being made perfect in weakness. Similarly, spiritual richness and sufficiency in Christ are highlighted in texts like Philippians 4:19, stating that God will supply all needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus, and 2 Corinthians 5:21, speaking of believers becoming the righteousness of God in Him. These scriptural truths resonate with the song's message of redefined identity and status rooted in God's work.

The concluding lines, "Look at what you've done," serve as an invitation to reflect on God's actions, directly linking observed or understood divine work to the outpouring of gratitude. The repeated phrase "We give thanks" in this section emphasizes the communal nature of worship and the shared recognition of God's deeds. The song, therefore, functions as both a personal declaration of faith and a corporate anthem of praise, inviting individuals and communities to center their thankfulness on the unparalleled gift of Jesus Christ and the transformative power of God's work in their lives. It guides the worshiper to acknowledge the source of true strength and richness and respond with heartfelt gratitude.