Thankful

Adetutu VOJ's “Thankful,” featuring Gabriel Eziashi, is a Nigerian gospel song of gratitude that mixes English with Igbo. It opens with thanks for victories and for life, with the plain statement that the singer is thankful and that God has been faithful. Because of him, she says, she stands tall.

The verses call God the Alpha and Omega and wonder aloud what she could have done to deserve such love as a mere mortal. She recalls that he broke her chains and set her free to soar. The Igbo chorus, translated in the lyrics, promises praise from everlasting to everlasting and names him the one who lifts her head, the beginning and the end, who answers when she calls and who leads her. It ends with receive all praise and thanks. The bridge reaches back to a low point: the devil nearly got her, her foot was slipping, hope and light seemed missing, but unfailing love held her and grace found her. His hand came to save her, and she calls him big, mighty and great. The use of two languages gives the song a local flavor while the English lines keep it open to listeners elsewhere. It suits a thanksgiving service, a testimony night or a quiet time when you want to name what God has done.

Love that holds a slipping foot is Psalm 94:18-19. Giving thanks for his enduring love is Psalm 136:1, and the Alpha and Omega is Revelation 22:13.