"Thanks"giving

“Thanks”giving

“Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.” (1 Chronicles 16:8)

This verse is the beginning of David’s song of thanksgiving to the LORD. He gave the song to Asaph and his fellow Levites the day the Ark of the LORD’s covenant was brought to Jerusalem.

There’s a story behind this song. You see, the Ark was taken by the Philistines during Saul’s reign and through a number of different circumstances came back again to the city of Kirjathjearim. This was a city on the northern boundary of Judah. The Ark stayed there until David became King and ordered it brought back to Jerusalem.

The first attempt to bring back the Ark didn’t go well. In 1 Chronicles 13, it is recorded that Uzzah “put his hand out to steady the Ark” as the oxen that were carrying it stumbled. Because of this, the LORD’s anger burned out against Uzzah and Uzzah died. That put a halt to the task of bringing back the Ark and the Ark was taken to the nearby home of Obed-edom of Gath where it stayed for three months. After that time, David again prepared to bring the Ark to Jerusalem and was successful because this time he made sure to strictly follow the law and only allowed the Levites to carry the Ark. Out of this journey came David’s song of thanksgiving.

The LORD has been working on me in the area of having a thankful heart. I have so much to be thankful for: family, friends, and God’s provision. Yes, even daily trials that teach me patience and endurance, I am learning to be thankful for these as well.

I would have to admit though that my heart is not always grateful. When I find myself in this attitude, I also discover that I am being resistant to what God is trying to teach me. Like David, I try to do things my own way. Whether it’s lashing out in anger for having to reinforce the correction of my child for the millionth time, or grumbling and complaining about the never ending pile of laundry I find that these actions have come from an ungrateful heart. Consequently, I have to say that the greatness of the LORD is not proclaimed.

James 3:2 says, “We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” David’s song reminds me of how he used his mouth to praise and give thanks to God. “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (Colossians 3:16) Wisdom seems to go hand in hand with praise and a thankful heart. When David aligned himself up with the law, he was successful in bringing back the Ark and out of his heart came a song of praise. I can learn to do the same. I can align myself up with God, and be thankful for the privilege of learning God’s Way and proclaim His greatness.

“LORD, accept my grateful thanks and teach me Your laws.” (Psalm 119:108)