Thankfulness: From Hand to Heart Day 3

"Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior;    gather us and deliver us from the nations,that we may give thanks to Your holy name,    and glory in Your praise.” 1 Chronicles 16:35 NIV

       You may or may not have noticed that today's verse comes directly after yesterday's. Coincidence? I think not! Of course, I chose to place it after in this writing plan, but much more importantly, the Lord chose to place it after in this particular passage. These verses are part of an absolutely beautiful psalm of Asaph, commissioned by none other than King David and recorded in 1 Chronicles 16. I highly encourage you to read the whole thing if you have time. And the song was commissioned for a rather momentous occasion: the ark of the covenant was being returned to its rightful place in the city of Jerusalem.

   A quick refresher: years earlier the Philistines had defeated the Israelites and taken the ark. After bad things happened (I just love that story from 1 Samuel 4-6) the Philistines sent it back. It didn't go well with the first town in ended up in, (1 Samuel 6) so they passed it on to Kiriath Jearim, where it stayed all through the reign of King Saul.

   So, now we are all on the same page. Those had been tough years. Israel demanded a king, got a really bad one, figured out their mistakes and tried to get back on track. David was really interested in serving the Lord wholeheartedly, so he wanted to make sure the ark was restored to a place of honor. There was an issue the first time they tried moving it, involving not following the rules (1 Chronicles 13). David was determined to do it right this round. He recognized all the Lord had done for Israel. The Lord had delivered them time and time again, and finally putting the ark where it belonged reminded them yet again that not so long ago the Philistines had held it, and all Israel, hostage. The Lord had graciously saved them. They had to acknowledge that, shout it from the rooftops. They had to write songs and have a parade. They had to make big changes.

     So, to keep this from getting too long, I think you know where I am headed with this history lesson: these weren't empty words. They came from hearts that had truly experienced salvation: not only had He rescued them, they knew He was the only one who could. They had cried out for salvation, seen it accomplished and now they absolutely had to give thanks.

    When someone does something nice, you say, "thank you" with your words. When Someone does something for you no one else could attempt, let alone accomplish, you say "thank you" with your life.

Today's Reflection:
   Israel wasn't too far removed from a troubling time in their history, this particular instance of  salvation had occurred not very long ago. What is something that God has recently saved you from? Salvation through Christ is once and for always, but we all have moments in our lives (whether we cause them or are just called to walk through them) when we have to cry out for salvation, deliverance from a situation. Recall that time and be thank His holy name, glory in His praise, for He is a saving God. 

Looking for the printable scripture writing plan? Or another day of the "Thankfulness: From Hand to Heart" study? Find them here!