Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
David wrote this psalm in distress, yet he chose to praise. His circumstances did not dictate his worship; his faith did. The Hebrew word for “magnify” here is “gadal“, which means to make great, exalt, or declare as mighty. When we magnify God, we do not make Him bigger—He is already infinite—but we recognize and proclaim His greatness. Thanksgiving is a powerful way to do this. It is more than just gratitude; it refers to an offering of praise, a confession of God’s goodness, even in hardship.
True thanksgiving is not based on our feelings but on who God is. Even when we face trials, praising Him shifts our focus from problems to His power.
Paul and Silas demonstrated this when they were imprisoned. Instead of despairing, they prayed and sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25). Their worship led to a miraculous deliverance. Thanksgiving magnifies God in our hearts, aligning us with His presence and opening the door for His power to work in our lives.
Jesus also gave thanks before multiplying the loaves and fish (John 6:11) and before raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41). Gratitude precedes miracles.
Today, let’s choose to magnify God with thanksgiving. Whether in joy or struggle, sing His praises. The more we exalt Him, the greater His presence will be in our life. Praise Him, magnify Him, and watch Him move.
