The Thanksgiving holiday is my favorite day of the year! I love everything about Thanksgiving — its rich and meaningful history when the pilgrim’s gathered before God to thank him for life and provision; to the initial feast with the Massasoit and Pokanoket peoples; to the family gatherings hosted in my home with my loved ones around turkey, all the fixings as well as sliced pumpkin (like apple) and chocolate cream pies; to hearing each one’s gratitude about something God has done for them the past year; and to our own family prayer of Thanksgiving for life and God’s provision! Yes, I even enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the down time in the afternoon to watch the Detroit Lions play football! Truly, when Thanksgiving comes, I literally don’t want the day to end. Yet, thanksgiving is more than a holiday.
In these chapters, David shows us that thanksgiving is a heart response to God’s goodness and that response doesn’t have to be on just one calendar day. Whether it was the knowledge of knowing that God had confirmed him king over Israel (14:2); defeating the enemies of God’s people (14:15); acknowledging and celebrating God’s glory and presence at the ark of the Lord’s covenant (Chapter 15); or constructing a new tently tabernacle (chapter 16), David demonstrated his gratitude to God continually. This same thankful spirit is demonstrated as David sings, “Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds” (16:8-9)
On this Thanksgiving day, I intend to thank God for the blessings he has showered upon me, especially for salvation through my Savior, Jesus; and to set an example for my family of gratitude toward God for all that he has done. Will you?
“Exult in [God’s] holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him” (16:10–11).
David W. Davis
