“…chosen and expressly named to give thanks to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever.” (I Chron. 16:41)

Though this verse is pulled from a context far removed from ours, does it not describe every child of God, chosen from before the foundation of the world to be God’s very own holy and blameless possession?!
In its original context the ark of God, “which is called by the name of the LORD who sits enthroned above the cherubim”, has just been brought back to town (Jerusalem!) after a long exile in the land of the Philistines.  It had been delayed in coming when the first parade home ended in the death of the man driving the cart that carried it.  After a temporary home-stay with Obed-edom whose whole household was blessed because of God’s presence, the Ark was properly brought up to Jerusalem on the shoulders of the Levites. A great celebration of thanksgiving was had, complete with raisin cakes and meat and bread for all!  Now at last installed in its tent in Jerusalem, this symbol of God’s presence was again residing with His people.  When the party was over a chosen set of men stayed at the tabernacle along with the priests, among them  were Heman and Jeduthun with their trumpets and cymbals to make ‘sacred song’.  The celebration wasn’t over because God’s love  wasn’t over.  It endures forever. There’s always a reason for sacred songs of thanks! [See: I Chron.16]

I’m thinking that’s partly why I write–to make note of God-sightings, evidences of His love in my life.  I find the more intentional I am about looking the more I see. 

This week I’ve been thinking how thanks makes a fitting mantra for every saint because God’s steadfast love endures forever.   A constant mouthing of thanks is a relevant part of ‘praying without ceasing’.  If we are not to be anxious in any situation but to present our requests with thanksgiving doesn’t that mean we’ll be brimming over with thanksgiving all day long?  For as much of the day as there is apparent cause for concern there is room for thanksgiving.  Our God, the One ‘who sits enthroned above the cherubim’ , the One who is ‘mighty to save’, the One who has the very hairs of our head numbered, this God, who is with us, for us, and living in us… He’s got us covered.  Thanks is always apropos.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that he tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Though you have not seen him, you love him.  Though you do not now see him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”  (I Pet.1:3-8)

I wish for you and yours a sweet celebration of thanksgiving today and all through the coming days as you make thanks your mantra to the God whose love endures forever.

And as you sight His acts of lovingkindness, be sure to share them with a friend–“Sing to him; sing praise to Him; tell of all His wondrous works.”
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Thanks for stopping by!
–LS 
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thess. 5:18