Appointed Thanksgiving

“And they brought in the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.  And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord  and distributed to all Israel, both men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

Then he appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel… Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the Lord by Asaph and his brothers.

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!..
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles and the judgments he uttered…

He is the Lord our God;
    his judgments are in all the earth.
Remember his covenant forever…

Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods.
 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his place.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness…
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!” 1 Chronicles 16:1-4,7-10,12,14-15,23-29,36

David has been established as king, and sets many priorities in his kingdom aright, especially that of worshiping God and giving the ark of His presence a revered place. He sees to proper sacrifices, and blesses God’s people from the bounty their generous, faithful Lord has supplied. Then he appoints a distinct day, a time set apart, to give thanks, as well as individuals whose regular job this would be. His kingdom would continually thrum with a rhythm of gratitude, keeping sights high and heavenward, and pride at bay.

When we are humbled by His greatness and all His spiritual gifts, the Lord is in His rightful place in our esteem, our hearts, and our offerings. We live within a framework of thanksgiving that affects all we perceive, think, and express.

Are we anxious, uncertain, lonely? Thank God for His omnipresence! Are we angry at injustice? Thank God for His pure and certain judgments. Is truthful information difficult to discern? Thank God for His immutable word.

What would change in our atmosphere if we thanked God for His cross and manifold good deeds instead of complaining and recounting difficulties? How might our attitude toward family and neighbors change if we intentionally thanked God for their good qualities, and what they teach us?

Good Father, keep me consumed with Your splendor and singing thanksgiving all the day, for You are uniquely, majestically worthy.