A story of the worship song, “Give Thanks” by William Petersen

Some people may say, “You wouldn’t be able to give thanks to God if you had the problems I have.”

Well, consider the story of Henry Smith, the man who wrote the worship song “Give Thanks.” Despite a degenerative eye disease, Smith made it through college and even through seminary, but soon he was declared legally blind. Unable to get a pastorate or any long-term employment, he went back home and worked at various odd jobs to support himself. 

What did the future hold for Henry Smith? He says, “I remember being extremely thankful, and I remember my pastor quoting 2 Corinthians 8:9, that Christ, though he was rich, became poor for our sakes that we might become rich in him. So, Henry wrote a song about the situation: “Give Thanks.”

Today Henry runs a recording studio and plays bass for his church worship team. Because of his lack of eyesight, he depends on his memory to get the right chords. Regarding his blindness, he says, “It slows me down, but it doesn’t stop me.” Give thanks.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 5:20-21; Philippians 2:7-8
Themes: Thankfulness, Praise, Worship 

Lyrics of the Song:
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One; 
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. 

And now let the weak say, “I am strong!”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us.”
Give thanks.
By HENRY SMITH JR. © 1978 BY INTEGRITY’S HOSANNA! MUSIC/ASCAP All rights reserved. Used by permission

Reference for the Song:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 658-659). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.