GIVE THANKS, CALL, AND PROCLAIM

You may be asking yourself, What do these words really mean? Let us begin by reading:

Psalm 105:1 (ESV)
“Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!”

To give thanks to God, to call upon His name, and to make His works known are not optional practices for believers. These are foundational spiritual disciplines that shape a healthy and powerful Christian life.

These three actions form three essential pillars of our walk with God. Let us see this truth affirmed again in Scripture:

Isaiah 12:4 (ESV)
“And you will say in that day: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.’”

(See also 1 Chronicles 16:8.)

1. GIVE THANKS TO GOD

Giving thanks to God is not merely a suggestion—it is a divine command. Gratitude acknowledges God as the source of life, breath, protection, mercy, grace, and every good thing we enjoy.

Thanksgiving keeps our hearts humble and sensitive to God’s presence. It guards us against pride and cultivates an atmosphere where God’s power and favor are released.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Psalm 107:1 (ESV)
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”

Theologically, thanksgiving is an act of worship. It recognizes God’s sovereignty and expresses trust in His goodness, even in difficult seasons.

2. CALL UPON THE NAME OF JESUS

Calling upon the name of God is also a command and a spiritual necessity. In times of danger, temptation, suffering, or spiritual warfare, believers are instructed to call on the Lord.

Scripture shows that even idol worshipers call on the names of their false gods:

1 Kings 18:25 (ESV)
“And Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, ‘Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.’”

How much more should we call upon the true and living God!

The name of Jesus is the only name that saves, delivers, heals, and grants eternal life.

Acts 4:12 (ESV)
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

From the earliest generations of humanity, God’s people have called upon His name:

Genesis 4:26 (ESV)
“At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.”

(See also Genesis 12:8; 13:4; 21:33; 26:25.)

When God’s people call on His name sincerely, He answers:

Psalm 99:6 (ESV)
“Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who call upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them.”

However, calling on the name of Jesus without true faith and repentance brings danger rather than deliverance, as seen in the story of the sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13–15).

Therefore, calling on the Lord must be accompanied by a sincere commitment to turn away from sin:

2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV)
“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’”

Theologically, calling on Jesus’ name is an expression of dependence, submission, and covenant relationship with God.

3. MAKE KNOWN THE WORKS OF GOD

Proclaiming God’s works is the third essential pillar. Every believer is called to testify about what God has done.

The greatest testimony of all is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because through His resurrection we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Romans 10:9 (ESV)
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Other testimonies—healing, deliverance, protection, provision, and miracles—exist to confirm this central truth: Jesus is alive and saves.

1 John 5:11 (ESV)
“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

Sharing God’s works glorifies Him and strengthens the faith of others.

Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

A PERSONAL CALL TO ACTION

Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Do you practice these three foundations in your daily life?

• Do you regularly thank God?

• Do you consistently call upon the name of Jesus?

• Do you testify about what God has done in your life?

If not, begin today. Through these three practices, strongholds are broken, faith is strengthened, and God is greatly pleased.

Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”

Shalom.
May the Lord bless you abundantly.

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