God’s people are thankful children and this is expressed in the song of thanksgiving sung when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to the tabernacle in the City of David as recorded in 1 Chronicles 16. The song opens with praise and thanksgiving for the great works God has performed for His people throughout time.
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,
O offspring of Israel his servant,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
(1 Chronicles 16:7-13 ESV)
Blessings on Israel
Israel of old could recount many blessings from the formation of their nation, deliverance from the bondage of Egypt to inherit the Promised Land, a wonderful law, and God’s abiding care. To give God thanks for these works is to remember the great things He did for them. They were to tell the great deeds of God to their children. As the song suggests, they should share the deeds of God with one another. Deuteronomy 3:24 observed that there is no being like God who can do great and mighty acts.
Blessings on the Church
Paul recounts the greatness of God in Ephesians 1:15-23 exhibited through Jesus Christ for the world and, especially, His people. Like old Israel, Christians can recount the great works of God from the formation of the church, deliverance from the bondage of sin to “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that does not fade away reserved in heaven for you.” God has defeated our greatest enemy and will give us victory over death. He has taught us how to live through the gospel. God’s children should tell of these wondrous works to one another for edification and non-Christians for evangelism.
Take time to read this very short Psalm of thanksgiving for the greatness of God: Psalm 111
Meditate on the great blessings you have received and offer prayers of thanksgiving to God for His great works.
Godly Youth 