This 5min and 25second episode provides a reading of the beautiful psalm by King David, God's chosen one. How David celebrated God's mercy and wondrous deeds for Israel consisted largely of praise and thanksgiving. Under the new covenant, all believers are priests unto God (1 Pet. 2:5, 9) and should offer the spiritual ministry of praise and thanksgiving to God. "By (Christ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name" (Heb. 13:15). The believer's praise and worship must be both in word and deed and are acceptable to God only as long as he or she is committed to His Word and not conformed to the world (Rom. 12:1-2).
Let the heart of them rejoice
Our happiness, security, and freedom from anxiety are dependent on our gratitude to God and our perseverance in seeking His face daily (Vv. 8-11). Those who continually call out to the LORD with thanksgiving can have confidence that He will walk by their side and be a present help throughout all of life (Ps. 46:1).
Worship the LORD in the beauty of Holiness. Genuine worship must be done in "holiness" (2 Chr. 20:21). God accepts spiritual and jubilant worship (15:28) only as long as it is accompanied by an inward disposition of reverence and purity, an earnest desire to be near Him, and the fervent commitment to resist all that offends His holy nature.
Stop and Seek the LORD
David felt convicted about his luxurious life while the symbol of God's covenant with Israel was still housed in a tent. His statement and Nathan's response illustrate well-intentioned ideas that believers sometimes have before they have taken the time to ask God about carrying them out. As it turned out, David's plan was acceptable, but God had not chosen him to build the temple.
We may have great ideas and worthy plans, but God may decide to let others carry them out. If we insist on doing everything that occurs to us, we will run the danger of stepping beyond God's purpose for us. FL
