Why is gratitude or thankfulness so easily misplaced? It seems to disappear in a blink of an eye. As you and I embark on another holiday season, maybe it would be good to take a breather and ponder how to keep the gift of gratitude upfront rather than pushing it out of sight.
In 1 and 2 Kings of the Old Testament, God appointed all sorts of kings. Most of them pushed God out of sight as they led God’s people away from Him. They handled the things of God carelessly which led to all sorts of problems. Finally in 1 Chronicles, God appointed a young man who had a heart for Him. His name was David. If you are familiar with the Psalms, you will understand that David, even in difficult, disobedient times, experienced God’s grace and mercy which turned David’s heart back to the Lord. His laments turned to gratitude when he repented and realigned his heart back to the true King of Kings.
David became full of gratitude for God’s presence.
In 1 Chronicles 16:1-36, you read how King David led the Israelites back to worshiping God first and foremost. Go ahead and read 1 Chronicles 11-15 for clearer insight into David becoming king. The Ark of the Lord was taken into enemy hands and it needed to be returned. Back in the Old Testament, God resided in the Ark as a visual to His presence among the Israelites. When Jesus resurrected from the dead in the New Testament, God now lives (present tense) in hearts that have received Him and follow Him.
Finally, the Ark was back in it’s correct place. It was now a great time to worship what God had done. It was a time to be thankful to the Lord. You can liken this to your faith journey. Is God in the correct place in your life? When He is not first, the gift of gratitude sneaks away. You see, gratitude is a gift that God gives to those who love Him above all else. Making God second fiddle subdues any thankfulness from springing up, but when your heart is facing the Lord in obedience, true worship takes place!
Notice how the people rejoice when God is given the room to shine, their hearts are full of gratitude, not on worldly things but God Himself; verses 8-22. A heart that is full of God is thankful. You will announce that God is great. You will want the whole world to know what God is doing in your midst. Songs will fill your heart as you exalt His holy name. You will continually search for the Lord and for His strength. God will help you to remember that His love is eternal as He remains committed to you. What do you see in verses 23-33 that reveal the gift of gratitude inside one’s heart?
Great thanksgiving will take place when your focus is realigned back to God where He is allowed to lead unhindered. You recognize how good God is and how His faithful love endures forever. All the people shouted, “Amen!” and praised the Lord; see verse 36.
The Holy Spirit is awakened when Jesus takes center stage in your life. He can move freely when you are aligned to God Himself. You see this in the vibrant celebration of God’s people. It is impossible to ignore those who dwell in the presence of the Lord God Almighty.
As you gather with family and friends, may others take note of your disposition. May people notice something different in you, and may you have the opportunity to share what God is doing. Live out the gift of gratitude and see how God changes things.
Carol J German 