“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.” (Exodus 15:1 KJV)
It’s the beginning of a well known praise song. I’m sure many of us can still sing this today straight from memory. Yet it tells a very profound secret. “I will sing” combined with “for he hath”. It is a very important book end to an act of God. Just like asking something of a neighbor you preface it with “please” and suffix it with “thank you”. Yes, it is a common courtesy. It’s more than that though. It’s a complete courtesy. It helps remind you and everyone interested that whatever the act is, it literally could not have been done without the other party. You may have had a role in the event, but it was just that. Only a role.
It is also fitting at a testimony level to put your praises or thanksgivings into something that can be referenced for remembrance. A song, a poem, a written plaque, a speech that can be quoted from later, or anything that puts a stake in the ground that reminds you that at this time and in this place the Lord did something special right here. The Christians who have walked with the Lord very long can testify that you and the people around you will need that marker many times over your life.
Finally, look at the story in Luke 17:11-19. It’s a simple story. Ten people need a touch from God. All ten get it. Only one comes back. The interesting part is that Jesus is waiting for it and asks “where are the other nine”? All ten are still clean, but only one is complete. The one went deeper. He had the humility to know that this was needed. He walks away with a testimony about what Jesus did for him that the other nine would now be ashamed to offer. This one also gets the acknowledgement from Jesus personally that he did the right thing. Something the others may want one day but may never receive. God is looking for that thanksgiving book end not just because it is rightfully his. He is looking to make you and your testimony complete.
“The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:2 KJV)