“David’s Prayer Of Thanksgiving”
Psalm 138:1-8
Here we are just days from our national day of Thanksgiving.
I am saddened that history is being rewritten and the first explorers that had the goal of taking the Gospel message to a needed people are be portrayed as conquerors and white supremacy.
There was divine protection upon this first group of people even though many died the first year.
The Natives of this new land helped by teaching the settlers how to plant, hunt, and prepare for the harsh winters.
After the harvest, there came a time of festive celebration and all were invited and participated.
It was from those days that Thanksgiving was born.
This was observed all that time until Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday.
It does not surprise me that he Bible is filled with times of Thanksgiving as well.
In these 8 verses is a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving and I would like to just look at this today.
I. The Depth Of Thanksgiving
Vs. 1 “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.”
Notice that total commitment to our Holy God, “thee with my whole heart.”
Also that the gods of this world are set aside so that we may “sing praise unto thee.”
II. The Direction Of Thanksgiving
Vs. 2 “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”
We do not have a holy temple to turn toward because we have a Holy Person that lives in the heart of every believer.
Thy lovingkindness -
For thy truth -
For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name -
III. The Day Of Thanksgiving
Vs. 3 “In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.”
David remembers that it was God who gave strength where he had failed.
IV. The Devotion Of Thanksgiving
Vs. 4-6 “All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.” 5 “Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.”
6 “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.”
There is no one or no place that can ignore the opportunity to praise God’s Holy Name!
V. The Determination Of Thanksgiving
Vs. 7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”
All around us is trouble and yet God is still here.
Protection and Grace is before me continually.
VI. The Dedication Of Thanksgiving
Vs. 8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
This is not my dedication toward God but notice God’s dedication toward His children.
Conclusion:
I am convinced that God wants His children to praise Him and be thankful.
This can only be done when there is a relationship with Him through Christ. (Salvation)
This can only be enjoyed in this relationship when we are walking in His will. (Revival)
The question that I leave you with; “Is this going to be a day of Thanksgiving or is it just going to be “turkey day?”
