David's Psalm Of Thanksgiving
November 2017
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November brings us the celebration of Thanksgiving. It’s sad to say, but precious few give thanks unto our Lord and God. David knew the importance of living in an attitude of gratitude. In I Chronicles, we have a record of one of David’s psalms of thanksgiving.
Give Thanks Unto The Lord
“Give thanks unto the LORD, Call upon His name, make known his deeds among the people” (1 Chron. 16:8). There are three imperatives (commands) mentioned in this verse. David commanded those present that day to: give thanks, to call on the Lord, and to make known His deeds.
God’s Presence
This song was written when the ark of God was brought into Jerusalem. The priests offered up sacrifices, David danced before the Lord with all of his might, and the people even received gifts from the king. When God’s presence comes in, praise and worship should always come forth. This was one of the greatest moments in David’s life. How could he be silent?
Multiple Reasons To Give Thanks Unto The Lord
David gave several reasons to give thanks: He is great; He has done marvelous works among all nations; He made the heavens; His name is due the glory; He reigns; He is to be feared; and my favorite—His mercy endureth forever. No doubt you know many more reasons to give thanks unto the Lord.
Instructions On How To Give Thanks
David exhorted them to sing unto the Lord. They were to declare His glory, to sing, to speak, to give glory and strength unto God, to rejoice, to bring an offering, and to give thanks to His holy name. We today do so with an attitude of gratitude.
We Praise Him For Who He Is
We have a reason to give thanks. We thank Him for who He is. He is God. He is the Creator. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. He is the Messiah, the Saviour, and our deliverer. He is worthy of praise without doing one thing. Because He is God, we should give thanks unto Him, but being God means that He will do things for His creation.
We Praise Him For What He Has Done
We praise Him for what He has done. He was slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). He endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2). He has redeemed us by dying on an old rugged Cross. He has given us new life. Paul said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17).
We Praise Him For What He Has Promised To Do
He has promised to meet with us when we gather in His name. He has promised to hear and answer prayers prayed according to His will and in His name. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn. 14:13). He has promised to baptize all who believe with the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). He has promised to come back for His church (I Thess. 4:16-17).
Give Thanks
We of all people should live with an attitude of gratitude. Giving thanks should be natural and continuous for a child of God. David’s song should resound in our hearts. “Give thanks unto the LORD, Call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people” (I Chron. 16:8).
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