Jeremiah 32:17b-20 – It is a good thing to give thanks and praise God

From bewilderment, Jeremiah was led to praise. From being confused he was moved to give credit to God for His mighty acts. He started by focusing on God’s mighty act in creation. Jeremiah recognized that creation came about through God’s mighty power and outstretched hands. Here he is asserting that God made the entire universe. The Bible, in Genesis, clearly states that God brought the entire universe into being out of nothing but, by His creative words. His “let there be…” brought the world and everything into existence. It’s hard to believe that the universe came into being by accident. Yet we have naturalists propounding that ludicrous worldview. This truth that God created everything is an essential and critical belief. If the Bible is true, and it certainly is, then God created mankind. If we don’t acknowledge this truth, then the obvious conclusion would be that mankind has created God. True worship can only begin when we see and recognize that God is the Creator and rightful owner of the universe and return Him to where He is due. He deserves our praise and worship. God is indeed our Creator, and we are creatures of His mighty acts.  

In these verses, Jeremiah continued to praise God for His mercy, lovingkindness, and justice. He had shown mercy to countless who had acknowledged Him and dealt justly with equally many who had spurned His loving overtures. The wonderful truth is that God had not changed. He is still the wise and just sovereign Lord, whose eyes are scrutinizing mankind. Our ways are still under His watchful eyes, and He will reward or deal with everyone according to their decisions and actions.     

Jeremiah also praised God for His mighty redemption.  Here he alluded to the signs and wonders God did to redeem the people of Israel and made them His covenant people. The prophet here also asserted that God is still performing signs and wonders among mankind both in Israel and in the world. In doing so, God has made Himself and His renown undeniably known.   

In Psalm 92:1-2, the psalmist in conversation with God says, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night….” Ever wonder why it is a good thing to give thanks and praises to the Lord Most High? In doing so, we will turn our minds to God and become more mindful of who He is and how much we owe our lives to Him. Let us list all the things He has done for us and pause daily to give thanks and praise Him!