My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness

My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness is a contemporary hymn written by Stuart Townend in 2003, designed to help congregations express deep gratitude for the person and work of Jesus Christ. The hymn combines devotional warmth with biblical theology, focusing on the gospel as the foundation of thanksgiving and praise.

The text opens with personal reflection and adoration, inviting the singer to recount the blessings of salvation. It emphasizes Christ’s attributes, including His love, sacrifice, and redemptive work, echoing Colossians 1:15-20. Townend presents thanksgiving as a response to God’s saving grace, reminding believers that every blessing flows from His mercy and covenant faithfulness.

A central theme is the assurance of God’s unchanging plan. The hymn reassures the believer that Christ’s work secures eternal life and ongoing spiritual growth, reflecting Ephesians 1:3-6 and Philippians 1:6. This emphasis on grace and security encourages worshipers to give thanks not only for past redemption but also for God’s present and future sustaining work.

Psalm 103 forms the hymn’s devotional foundation, highlighting themes of forgiveness, healing, and the renewing of the soul. By integrating personal reflection with corporate truth, the hymn bridges individual meditation and congregational worship, allowing believers to unite their gratitude with the wider body of Christ.

Musically, the hymn is composed with a flowing, contemplative melody that is both singable and memorable, suitable for corporate worship, personal devotion, or family gatherings. Its simple yet profound structure ensures that the focus remains on heartfelt praise and gratitude.

My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness continues to be widely used in modern worship because it encourages believers to articulate their gratitude in a theologically rich, Scripture-grounded way, centering their hearts on the person and work of Jesus Christ.