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.
Gratitude is evangelistic. When the world sees Christians giving thanks in suffering, forgiving enemies, praising through trials—it points them to a living Saviour.
The Gospel Connection:
1 Chronicles 16:34 is not just about ancient Israel. It is the story of redemption fulfilled in Jesus.
God is good: He created us in His image.
His love endures: Despite our sin, He sent His Son.
His mercy is forever: At the cross, Jesus took our punishment.
His goodness is eternal: The empty tomb declares victory over death.
Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. And because He lives, you can live also. But here is the truth—you must repent. You must turn from sin and trust Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Call to Action:
Church, the command is clear: Go! And give thanks to the Lord.
Give thanks in your home—pray with gratitude around your table.
Give thanks in your workplace—speak with grace, live with integrity.
Give thanks in your trials—trust His goodness when life feels dark.
Give thanks in the church—worship passionately, encourage one another.
Today, some of you need to move from polite acknowledgment to true surrender. Stop just saying “thank you” to God like He gave you a cup of tea. Fall on your knees in worship—because He gave you His Son.
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, if you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, today is the day. You cannot truly give thanks until you have received His greatest gift—salvation through Christ.
Repent of your sin. Believe in the Lord Jesus. Trust that His death on the cross was for you, His resurrection victory is for you, His eternal love is for you.
The Bible says in Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Benediction:
So now, church, go into this week with hearts overflowing with gratitude. When you wake up, remember His mercies are new. When you face trials, remember His love endures forever. And when you rejoice, let your joy be a testimony to the God who is good.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.”
Amen.
