Thankful People

Henry Alford was a master of languages. Even as a child, he could repeat many phrases in Greek and Latin. As an adult, he became a poet, painter, musician, Biblical scholar, and author. He served several churches in England before becoming dean of Canterbury Cathedral. In spite of these accomplishments, he never forgot the importance of having a thankful heart. He made it a habit at the end of the day to stand up and thank God for what he had received.

In 1844 he expressed this spirit of thankfulness in a hymn, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” which celebrated the goodness of God. His cry was for all thankful people to come forward. Reflecting the end of the harvest, he wrote, “Raise the song of harvest home; all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied.”

Alford knew that “all the world is God’s own field.” He is the “Lord of the Harvest.” Knowing that there are tares in the world, he prayed that God’s people would be wholesome and pure. He also looked forward to the day when the Lord would come and “take His harvest home.” He prayed, “Even so, Lord, quickly come … gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin.”

Pause and thank God for all He has done for you. Trust your life to Him. Worship Him!