We truly are an unruly and ungrateful people. We complain and whine, whisper and murmur. All because life isn't fair, and things haven't gone the way we wanted them.
We have it all wrong.
Our perspective is skewed, something is amiss. How many of us have are being hunted down by those we've given everything for? Have we had to flee our homes? Are we living in hiding? Ducking at the slightest sign of a pursuer? Certainly not. In fact, even when we are in "bad times" we typically still have a roof over our heads, food on our plates. Friends we can talk things out with, we've got it good.
Now I'm not saying that there aren't people who have it that rough, even in this day, in this country there are some. But they probably won't ever get a chance to read this, I'm not talking to them here. I'm talking to the typical person. The students and workers we all encounter every day. Overall we have it so good. Our needs are met, we live in safety, and we know that we can expect more of the same to come tomorrow.
Fancy words saying to put our troubles behind us. But its all easier said than done though right? What we really need here is a bit of perspective.
How about David? We all know who he is. The little shepherd boy that felled the giant. Probably the most famous story in the Old Testament. But do we all know the rest of the story?
The king at the time David slew Goliath was Saul. After Goliath was killed Saul had David enter his court to play music for him when he was feeling down. David did this faithfully and beautifully. But something happened. As Saul noticed that David was gaining the LORD's favor, and realized that it would be David who took the throne instead of his own son, he grew angry and tried to kill David.
So David had to flee. He took what supplies he could carry and he fled. Now he and Saul had an up and down relationship, sometimes David was welcome, and sometimes he wasn't. David even fought and won great battles for Saul. But the more favor David gained in the site of God and of all of Israel the more Saul wanted him dead. David spent years hiding in caves, with only a loyal few to help him. He was even forced to leave his home country for a time and fight for neighboring countries.
However despite all this, David still sang his praises to God, he still gave thanks. He is the primary author of our Psalms, where time and time again in both the good times and bad, we see him sing out to God in thanks. I want to share this song recorded in 1 Chronicles, because it truly testifies to David's spirit.
"Oh give thanks to the LORD;
call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him;
sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Israel his servant, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, which he confirmed as a statute to Jacob, as an everlasting covenant to Israel, saying, 'To you I will give the land of Canaan, as your portion for an inheritance.'
When you were few in number, and of little account, and sojourners in it, wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account, saying, 'Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!' Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his to be held in awe above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the havens.
Splendor and majesty are before him, strength and joy are in his place.
Ascribe to the LORD, O clans of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name, bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth;
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Say also: 'Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise. Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!'
Then all the people said, 'Amen!' and praised the LORD." 1 Chronicles 16: 8-36
A song of joy.
A song of peace.
A song to remember all that God has done for us.
So much happened to David, so much that gave him reason to complain, to whine, to sulk.
Yet he still praised God joyfully.
He still showed the world a joy that comes only from God.
So much had happened to David, but he had SO MUCH MORE to praise God for.
Brothers and Sisters, today we have EVEN MORE THAN DAVID to be thankful for.
WE HAVE CHRIST JESUS!
The salvation that David sang for has come!
Christ has died and RISEN for US!
When things get us down, be it a rough day, some hurtful words, unexpected bills, the death of a friend or family member... REMEMBER
It is all about perspective.
And with our focus on God, on Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. No earthly trouble is big enough to even cast a shadow.
Look into the open arms of Christ, see that love, that commitment which surpasses everything and is more powerful than even death.
And have JOY.
Sing your song of thanksgiving.
