Thanks!

Thanks!

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; For his mercy endureth for ever.

1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV

Context and Charge:

It is very important to place today's verse in the right context. David had seen a man die for touching the ark of God the wrong way, and then seen the same ark be a blessing to another man who probably knew the right way to handle the ark. Having learnt his lesson, David made the right provision for the ark to be carried the right way and by the right people. There can be no excuse for compromise; it is either I serve God the way he desires or not at all. For David, it was clear to him that familiarity with God is not a thing; in fact, knowing God makes doing the wrong thing even worse. Is there anything in my life right now that needs to be put right?

At the return of the ark to Jerusalem, David sang the words of today's extract. It tells me what to offer to God, as well as the reasons why I should. For a heart that knows what it has received, its response must be thanks to God. For a life that has walked through the valley of the shadow of death and has been delivered, the expected response is thanks to God. For a life that may not have all it has asked God for, but the fact that there is life and hope, it has many reasons to be glad and grateful. I note that today's verse does not tell me what to ask God for, as that would come later in the song, but here, it was first and foremost what I am to give to God. This difference is fundamental. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

What has been the focus of my life through the years? Is my life a reflection of a heart of gratitude? God is described as good here, because his nature is inherently and fundamentally good. You can only give what you have. Yes, due to the sin of Adam, evil is now a part of our lives, and there are both earthly and sometimes eternal consequences for sin, but let no man say God is tempting him when it is his evil desires seeking to destroy him. God is good, and he does and gives good. Part of that good is the mercy that we enjoy on a daily basis, and which today's extract makes very clear lasts forever.

Of course, if something is God's nature, it is forever. You can stake your life and reputation on the consistency and faithfulness of God here. Mercy is not deserved, so it is impossible to argue merit, ability, connection, influence or wealth here. Those things do not move God one bit, as mercy is his gift and prerogative, given as He desires and to whom he pleases, with no one able to question him. It is very important that I seek this mercy because it is the key to access all that God intends for me. I give thanks now for all that is ahead. I give thanks because I know God's got my back. God's time of favour is here.