Chapter 16 of 1 Chronicles begins with the words “1 So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.” – 1 Chronicles 16:1. What a momentous occasion to celebrate!!! When celebrating such, once in a lifetime events, words are chosen meticulously and intentionally. Let us see what David, the King has to say on such an occasion.
David begins with these words…
“8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;” – 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
David continues the same tone till the end, “36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.” – 1 Chronicles 16:36
What David had done is, to recall all that the LORD God Almighty had done for the people of God, and how He had been good, gracious and merciful towards them, as God’s children.” This is what is recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:7 – “7 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.”
Now, God had been good, gracious and merciful towards us too. What kind of words proceed out of our mouths when we come before the LORD? May only words of praise, worship and thanks come out of our mouths. Let us always remember David’s words in Psalm 23:1 – “1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
"All the good that we enjoy comes from God. Recollect that! Alas, most men forget it. Rowland Hill used to say that worldlings were like the hogs under the oak, which eat the acorns, but never think of the oak from which they fell, nor lift up their heads to grunt out a thanksgiving. Yes, so it is. They munch the gift and murmur at the giver."