Giving thanks for God’s mercy
This article by John Marcus uses Psalm 136 to call Reformed believers to grateful acknowledgment of God's enduring mercy and lovingkindness as the foundation of all thanksgiving. Marcus argues that true gratitude must be rooted in appreciation for God's sovereign grace rather than merely material blessings, and he traces the Old Testament typology of harvest festivals pointing toward God's ultimate salvation and the new creation.
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1 Long before Thanksgiving was observed as an annual event in North America, the Israelites of old gave thanks to God after bringing in the harvest. "Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine" (Deut. 16:13). The feast of tabernacles pointed forward to the day when God will tabernacle with men in the new heavens and the new earth....
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org