The act of showing gratitude, has a way of turning things around. It does not take away the hard times, but it does remind us that we’re not facing it alone. It draws our attention away from what we lack and opens our eyes to what we’ve been given, even if it’s just the breath of life, or the courage to keep going.
The Psalms are full of this kind of thankfulness. They aren’t all sunshine and peace; many of them come straight out of the valley—written by the Psalmist who was tired, chased down, heartbroken, or unsure of what came next. And yet, over and over again, we see him lift his eyes and say, “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 107:1, KJV).
This collection “40 Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a walk through some of those moments. Some Psalms thank God for His goodness, others for His rescue. Some praise Him just because He’s God. And some whisper thanks through tears, choosing to trust Him even when life doesn’t make sense.
You can use this book however you need. Read one Psalm a day, or let your heart settle on just one verse for the week. Write down your own thoughts, or pray them out loud. Sing them if you’re brave. Whatever pace or style you take, the point is this: we all need reminders that there’s still something to be thankful for.
This is not a performance. It’s a practice. A posture. A way to keep your soul grounded when the world pulls in every other direction.
Whether you’re reading this in a season of joy, loss, confusion, or calm, these Psalms are here to help you pause, breathe, and say “thank You” with a little more intention.
Let’s get started.
Psalms of Thanksgiving for God’s Character
These Psalms give thanks to God for, sHis power, love, goodness, and faithfulness.
1. Psalm 8:1-4 (KJV)
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
2. Psalm 19:1-3 (KJV)
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.”
3. Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
4. Psalm 33:4-5 (KJV)
“For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.
He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
5. Psalm 36:5-7 (KJV)
“Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast.
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”
6. Psalm 103:8-12 (KJV)
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
7. Psalm 145:8-10 (KJV)
“The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee.”
8. Psalm 147:3-5 (KJV)
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
9. Psalm 90:1-2 (KJV)
“Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
10. Psalm 121:1-3 (KJV)
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.”
Psalms of Thanksgiving in Deliverance
These Psalms celebrate the times God stepped in—rescued, restored, and carried His people through.
11. Psalm 18:1-3 (KJV)
“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”
12. Psalm 30:11-12 (KJV)
“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”
13. Psalm 34:4-6 (KJV)
“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.”
14. Psalm 40:1-3 (KJV)
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.”
15. Psalm 66:16-20 (KJV)
“Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.”
16. Psalm 107:6-9 (KJV)
“Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
17. Psalm 116:1-2, 7-8 (KJV)
“I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.”
“Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”
18. Psalm 118:13-14 (KJV)
“Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.”
19. Psalm 138:3, 7-8 (KJV)
“In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.”
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
20. Psalm 144:1-2 (KJV)
“Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.”
Psalms of Thanksgiving in Worship and Praise
These Psalms overflow with pure praise—lifting thankful hearts to God just because He is worthy.
21. Psalm 95:1-3 (KJV)
“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”
22. Psalm 96:1-4 (KJV)
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.”
23. Psalm 97:1-2, 6 (KJV)
“The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.”
“The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.”
24. Psalm 98:4-6 (KJV)
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.”
25. Psalm 99:1-3 (KJV)
“The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
The Lord is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.
Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.”
26. Psalm 100:1-5 (KJV)
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
27. Psalm 103:1-2 (KJV)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
28. Psalm 104:1-2, 24 (KJV)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:”
“O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”
29. Psalm 113:1-3 (KJV)
“Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.”
30. Psalm 150:1-6 (KJV)
“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”
Psalms of Thanksgiving in the Midst of Struggle
These Psalms talks about pain and challenges, yet they still choose to give thanks—even before the breakthrough comes.
31. Psalm 3:1-3 (KJV)
“Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”
32. Psalm 6:6-9 (KJV)
“I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.”
33. Psalm 13:1-2, 5-6 (KJV)
“How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?”
“But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”
34. Psalm 22:1-3 (KJV)
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”
35. Psalm 31:9-10, 14-15 (KJV)
“Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.”
“But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”
36. Psalm 42:5-6 (KJV)
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.”
37. Psalm 55:16-18 (KJV)
“As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.”
38. Psalm 61:1-2, 4 (KJV)
“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
“I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.”
39. Psalm 77:2-3, 10-12 (KJV)
“In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.”
“And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.”
40. Psalm 143:7-10 (KJV)
“Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”
A Life of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving isn’t just something we do once a year or when everything’s going right. These forty Psalms show us that gratitude runs deeper than moments of celebration—it’s a way of life. A mindset. A steady rhythm that keeps us grounded in God, no matter what the season looks like.
From songs of rescue and joy, to cries in the darkness, and shouts of praise that echo off the temple walls—these verses remind us that God is not just present in our victories. He’s with us in our struggles, in our waiting, in our worship, and even in our silence. And somehow, even in our lowest moments, there’s always a reason to say thank you.
Maybe your life right now looks like Psalm 3, with enemies pressing in on all sides. Or maybe you’re resting in the peace of Psalm 100, joyfully entering His courts with praise. Wherever you are, these Psalms give us language for both the hurt and the hallelujah. And the constant through all of it? God never changes.
So, let’s keep choosing gratitude. Not because life is always good—but because God always is.
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 136:1 (KJV)
