1 Chronicles 16:1-22

Nov 17, 2022    Pastor Daryl Zachman

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


David had every reason to give thanks. The LORD was now with him. The Ark was in its tent at the heart of the nation. All was right in the world. So he took his talent for writing and blessed the LORD with a new song. It was a psalm of thanksgiving.


In this song, David charged the people to give thanks and proclaim God’s greatness. Were they only to tell the nation of Israel? No, the whole world must know what He has done and how good He is!


Last month I was given many cards of appreciation. Let me tell you, it was overwhelming. I am humbled and somewhat speechless by the thoughtful words of gratitude from our people. When I express words of appreciation to someone, I find it is a sure path to intimacy. It is hard to look someone in the eye and say what you most appreciate about him or her without becoming emotional. So why don’t we do it more often?


When it comes to praising God, it should be an easy thing for us to do. After all, He is perfect! He is good and faithful in all things. He will never do us wrong. Not only has He created a universe and called it “very good”, but He has done everything to redeem sinful man to Himself. He loved us when we least deserved it. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! Moreover, He has gone to prepare a place for us, and soon we will be with Him in our Father’s kingdom! It is our privilege and duty to give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. We were born and born again to do this! And it leads to profound intimacy with our Lord. But it doesn’t end there, for God also wants us to tell others. People who don’t know Him need to know how good He is! And they will know Him by our words and deeds.


Therefore, let us stoke the fire of gratitude in our heart until it heats the whole house! Yes, it is the season of Thanksgiving, but we don’t have to wait until the fourth Thursday of November to express it! And we can move it from our house to the entire world!