Go! And Give Thanks To The Lord - 1 Chronicles 16:34 Series

Go! And Give Thanks to the Lord - 1 Chronicles 16:34

1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT): “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Introduction:

Church, today we are going to anchor ourselves in one of the most repeated declarations of Scripture: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

This is more than a polite religious phrase—it is the heartbeat of worship. It is the reason we sing, the reason we pray, the reason we gather. The goodness of God and His never-ending love is not just ancient poetry—it is the Gospel truth that points us directly to Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and reigning.

If I could give you one takeaway today, it would be this: Gratitude is not optional for the believer; it is the natural response of someone who has experienced God’s saving grace in Christ Jesus.

Context of 1 Chronicles 16:34

This verse comes from a moment of great celebration. King David has brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. The Ark represented God’s presence among His people. David composes a psalm of thanksgiving, a song of victory, and he calls the people to remember God’s goodness and His covenant love.

The Hebrew word for “give thanks” is yadah—literally to cast out or extend the hands in praise. It is more than polite acknowledgement—it is a heartfelt act of surrender and worship.

The word for “love” here is chesed—a covenantal, loyal love. This is not fleeting affection; it is steadfast, faithful, unbreakable love. This is the same chesed that finds its ultimate fulfilment in the cross of Christ.

Point 1: God’s Goodness Revealed in Creation and Redemption

Psalm 34:8 (NLT): “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”

David doesn’t just say, “Believe God is good.” He says, “Taste and see.” Experience it! God’s goodness is not theoretical—it is tangible. We see it in creation, in His provision, in His mercy.

The Hebrew word for “good” (tov) implies completeness, wholeness, moral excellence. It means everything God does is perfectly right.

But the ultimate proof of God’s goodness is not found in sunsets or harvests—it is found at the cross. Romans 5:8 says, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

John Piper once said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

And friends, where do we find our deepest satisfaction? Not in the temporary pleasures of this world, but in knowing the God who gave His Son for us.

Imagine a child lost in a crowd. Fear fills their eyes until suddenly they see their father’s face, arms wide open, calling them to safety. That is the goodness of God—He calls us, rescues us, and brings us home through Jesus.

In a world that tells us God is distant, indifferent, or even cruel—Scripture reminds us He is good. And if you doubt His goodness, look at Calvary.

Point 2: His Faithful Love Endures Forever

Lamentations 3:22–23 (NLT): “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

In the Hebrew, chesed conveys covenant loyalty. Jeremiah wrote these words in the ruins of Jerusalem, in devastation—and yet, he declares God’s love has no expiry date.

In the New Testament, the Greek word agape mirrors this—unconditional, sacrificial love. We see it perfectly in Christ, who laid down His life for sinners.

Max Lucado said, “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.” That’s his way of saying: God’s love is deeply personal. His love doesn’t quit on you, doesn’t fade, doesn’t depend on your performance.

Think of the ocean waves—day and night, tide after tide, they keep rolling in. You cannot stop them. That is how God’s faithful love works. Constant. Relentless. Eternal.

In our culture, love is fragile. Relationships break. Promises fail. But God’s love is different. When we repent and put our faith in Jesus, His covenant love holds us fast for eternity.

Point 3: Gratitude Leads to Worship and Witness

Colossians 3:17 (NLT): “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Paul ties gratitude to both worship and mission. Our thanksgiving is not limited to Sunday morning—it flows into every word, every action, every decision.

The Greek word eucharisteo (give thanks) is where we get the word Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper. Gratitude is inseparable from the cross. When we break the bread and drink the cup, we remember with thanksgiving that Jesus died and rose for us.

Charles Stanley said, “The more we rejoice in our blessings, the more we will live like blessed people.” Thanksgiving shapes behaviour—it fuels holiness and evangelism.