“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 the offerings.., he blessed the people in the name of the Lord and distributed to all Israel, 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… to play harps and lyres,.. to sound the cymbals, and… to blow trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. 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!
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…
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;
tremble before him, all the earth;
yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
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 16:1-12,23-34
The placement of the ark of God’s presence in Jerusalem was cause for great joy. David took opportunity to gather Israel in celebration with sacrifices and thanksgiving. His appointments of music and sacred praise established a rhythm of worship for God’s people that resounds today.
A heart right with God knows its place, and Who holds the highest place. All comes from Him, all gladness and praise is due Him. Though we owe the Lord Jesus nothing for our salvation because He paid all, we owe Him everything in gratitude. Regular thanksgiving becomes a holy habit and fills our souls to spill over to bless others. What is my song this day? When will I sing, and with whom will I share God’s bounty? (1 Chronicles 16:37-43)
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36
Lord, fill my soul and mouth with the joyous praise You deserve, forever.
As the rain and snow 