Thanksgiving - Pt. 2

 

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Israel his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! (1 Chronicles 16:8-13 ESV).

 

With today’s news reminding us of all the pain and challenge of the year by the minute, it is difficult to think about being thankful. However, thanksgiving should not be motivated by our circumstance. It is relationally based. That relationship is rooted in the extension of grace based in the work of Jesus in our redemption. There are many examples of this truth in the Scripture. In our reading today 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. Let these things provide you with a reminder of the graciousness of our God. He reminds us of the wonderful acts of God on our behalf. He declares the holy name of God (vv. 9-10). He extols the immeasurable strength of God, “miracles, and the judgments he pronounced” (v. 12). David goes on to say God “remembers his covenant forever” (v. 15). God protects his people, especially when we are vulnerable (vv. 19-22). And, if that were not enough to elicit our thanksgiving, he says 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.”

 

I am prompted to add a long list of things to this rich list of thanksgiving. I can think of the gracious manner in which God has dealt with me personally. I can think of the incredible gift of my family. Just to think of each of my sons and their spouses, with each of my grandchildren, it prompts me to acknowledge God with a thankful heart. That becomes a powerful 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 every circumstance of life. That alone can bring an eternity of thanks as you receive his amazing grace. I’m not sure what our “Thanksgiving” will look like this year. It may be very different from years past. I do know I have much to be thankful about. Focus on those things in your approach to this year’s holiday!