2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11

Dec 9, 2022 • Pastor Daryl Zachman

“The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD … they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: ‘He is good! His faithful love endures forever!’ At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 5:13, NLT)

For the first time since the tabernacle was at Shiloh, the Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle with the bronze altar were reunited in a single location. The 120 priests who blew trumpets had sanctified themselves, and the singers were clothed in fine linen with musical instruments. Together they raised their voices in unison to praise the LORD, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” And when this happened the LORD came, filling the temple with a thick cloud so that the priests could not minister.

I would like to consider that the glory of the LORD came when the people praised Him. Sometimes we become overwhelmed by the evil around us and the trials of life. The problems are all we can see. The sins of others anger us and we feel frustrated or resentful. Or maybe we are feeling condemned over our own sins. They feel like the seaweed that was wrapped around Jonah’s head when he was cast into the deep. Or perhaps we are discouraged, feeling like we have failed others and ourselves. I am convinced that Satan loves for us to dwell in these places of misery. He can bat us around like a cat playing with a mouse!

But if we will stop and praise the LORD, if we will thank Him for who He is and for what He has done, then we will experience His glorious presence, for God is enthroned in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). The more we worship God, the more He lifts us up over the troubles of this world. Try it!

“Heavenly Father, forgive us when we have neglected to praise you and give you thanks. Help us lift our eyes off other people, off our circumstances, and off ourselves, and help us to seek your face always. You are worthy to be worshiped, for you are good, and your faithful love endures forever!”