The Witness of Being Thankful
Scripture Reading — 1 Chronicles 16:1-36
Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
—1 Chronicles 16:8
Being thankful is a witness. In his psalms King David wanted to tell everyone how great God is! The occasion of bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem was no exception. David wanted everyone to join in the celebration of praise.
David’s psalm is long and rich. It sparks our praise for a wide variety of things:
- for God’s wonderful acts and his holy name (vv. 9-10).
- for God’s strength, “miracles, and the judgments he pronounced” (v. 12).
- that God “remembers his covenant forever” (v. 15).
- for God’s protection when his people were vulnerable (vv. 19-22).
- that “splendor and majesty are before him, strength and joy are in his dwelling place” (v. 27).
The families of all nations are then invited, even commanded, to give God “the glory due his name,” to bring an offering, and to worship him “in the splendor of his holiness.”
What can you add today to this rich list of thanksgiving? A thankful heart is a testimony to the greatness of God!
David’s song closes with a prayer asking God to save. In what ways do you need saving? Jesus Christ reaches out his nail-scarred hands to deliver you from sin. That alone can bring an eternity of thanks as you receive his amazing grace.
Majestic Lord, I receive your salvation in Jesus Christ. Thank you for all the goodness you've poured into my life. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Amen.
About the author — Daryl DeKlerk
Daryl DeKlerk pastors a church in Jarvis, Ontario. He is thankful for a sabbatical that enabled him to study the theme of Grace-filled Christian Witness. Daryl and his wife have three young children who keep them on their toes and on their knees in prayer.
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