Thanksgiving Message November 23, 2014 Give Thanks to the Lord 1 Chronicles 16:34 Introduction: The sixteenth chapter of 1 Chronicles is a psalm of Thanksgiving that King David wrote and handed over to their worship team. It is to be sung before the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence in the midst of the Israelites. This chapter combines the parts from Psalm 96, 105, and 106. There are three parts to 1 Chronicles chapter 16: Part 1 – What it means to Praise the Lord, and Why (vv. 8-13) • This section can be found in Psalm 105:1-15. • We give thanks to God because of His covenant with His people. • It is a covenant of grace. • In His undeserved love, He has chosen and rescued His people when they could do nothing for themselves – also found in verses 19-22. Part 2 – Praise God as God over all the nations (vv. 23-33) • This can be found in Psalm 96 • Our God is greater than the gods of this world. • He is the God of the universe and there is none like Him. Part 3 – Calls for God’s people to join in Praising God (vv. 34-36) • This is related to Psalm 106:1, 47-48 • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Those who belong to Jesus Christ should give thanks always in every circumstances because this is the will of God for them.” • We give thanks and praise Him for He is our Savior. • The word “Hosanna” means “Save us” – and is to be taken up, significantly, by the crowds surrounding the last King of David’s line as he rides in triumph to the temple (Mark 11:9-10). Note: In 1 Chronicles 16:34, King David teaches us to praise God for: 1. His personal qualities 2. His works on our behalf 3. His covenant of love that is revealed throughout history 4. His glory and strength that He will express in the future. 1 Chronicles 16:34 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever.” 1 Give thanks to God: 1. He is Good • God’s works are good (Genesis 1:4). • God’s gifts are good. He gives good things. • God’s commands are good. It leads to life for those who obey them. • God is good all the time. • Psalm 92:15 – “There is no wickedness in God.” 2. His love endures forever • NIV – His love endures forever. • KJV – His mercy endures forever. • The Hebrew word “Chesed” means faithfulness, favor, kindness, loyal deeds, righteousness, and unchanging love. • We thank God because His love for us in unchanging. Conclusion: Our God is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving. No matter what circumstances we are in, we must never forget to give thanks to God for His works of righteousness and for His love that runs forever. 1 The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (1 Ch 16:34). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. .