You’ll hear it on Hollywood award shows and at sporting events. Recipients of prestigious statues and trophies give thanks to producers, parents, co-stars, directors, coaches, teammates, and more.

In the book of Luke, we find the background story of John the Baptist. His father was quite advanced in years when an angel announced that his aged wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son.

For Elizabeth, being pregnant with John was an answer to her prayers. Hear her response. “‘The Lord has done this for me,’ she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people’” (Luke 1:25).

She gave credit where credit was due.

In the Old Testament we find King David eloquently giving the Lord credit following pleadings and cries for help. One example is Psalm 28:6-7. “Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” In two brief verses, God is credited five times.

In the following chapter, David uses the word “ascribe” rather than “give credit” or “attribute.” “Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness” (Psalm 29:1-2).

David makes it clear who we are to honor and to whom we should give thanks. God’s children are expected to acknowledge the Giver of all good gifts. James wrote, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17a). Let’s not be ashamed or become lax in acknowledging who our blessings are from.

To God be the glory!