“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” —1 Chr. 16:8
According to a prominent Duke University Medical Center researcher, “If thankfulness were a drug, it would be the world’s best-selling product with [health benefits] for every major organ system.”
The Bible takes the idea of thankfulness to a deeper level. The act of giving thanks causes us to recognize the One who provides our blessings (James 1:17).
David knew that God was responsible for the safe delivery of the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem (1 Chr. 15:26). As a result, he penned a song of gratitude that centered on God instead of the event. The ballad began: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done” (16:8). David’s song went on to rejoice in God’s greatness, highlighting God’s salvation, creative power, and mercy (vv. 25–36).
True thankfulness is worshiping the Giver and not the gifts we enjoy. Focusing on the good things in our lives may benefit our bodies, but directing our thanks to God benefits our souls.
–Taken from God Hears Her, written by Jennifer Benson Schuldt. Used by permission of Our Daily Bread Publishing®, Grand Rapids MI. All rights reserved. Further distribution is prohibited without written permission from Our Daily Bread Publishing® at permissionsdept@odb.org
