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I. A GENERAL STATEMENT (ver. 1). "To give thanks unto the Lord" —

1. Is in harmony with the original design of creation (Job 38:7). Sin has brought discord with it into the world; but it is supremely a good thing to add to the world's harmonies, and not to its discords.

2. Is the highest expression of human service.

(1) It is good for a man when he learns to give, to feel that he has so much of blessing as that he can afford to give out of the fulness that is in him: good for him to forget himself, and to think of some one whom he feels a yearning desire to bless.

(2) It is good "to give thanks." A grand thing when man has that delicacy of feeling that enables him to appreciate a blessing, to recognize its source, its value, and in return acknowledge his own indebtedness.

(3) Further, it is good "to give thanks unto the Lord." Anything that brings man into contact with God, everything that reciprocates the relationship between man and God, is ennobling. God gives. In thanks I give something back.

3. Imparts joy to the heart of the Lord Himself. All that we know of the heart of God teaches us that He yearns for this response.

II. DETAILS.

1. The morning song. To show forth God's "lovingkindness in the morning" is a grand exercise, when the energies of life are refreshed once more; when the morning dew rests upon mind and heart; when everything is vigorous; and when the day's toils have not taken the spring and vivacity out of your spirit.

2. The evening song. "To show forth... Thy faithfulness every night." The faithfulness represents the strong side, the robust aspect, of Divine goodness. It expresses the fidelity of God; His strong adherence to His promise. This represents the more fatherly aspect of His goodness: the power that sustained you in the struggle of the day.

(D. Davies.)

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KJV: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

WEB: to proclaim your loving kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night,