2 Samuel 7-10
Gratitude for the LORD's Blessings

David sat on his newly established royal home a man grateful to God. It was because of God that he was where he was, and he knew it. In 2 Samuel 7, he sought to do something to show his gratitude to God. "...The king said to Nathan the prophet, 'See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.' And Nathan said to the king, 'Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you'" (7:2-3). David soon learned that the LORD did not want him to build Him a house-that was not how God wanted David to express his thankfulness. But, the noble intent of David's heart-that of desiring to honor God-was not missed by our Creator. Solomon revealed in 2 Chronicles 6:8, "But the Lord said to David my father, 'Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart.'" David respected the LORD's will and did not build.

He then heard of Yahweh's intent to further bless David by establishing his house forever. "And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever" (7:16). What a wonderful scene! The chapter beings with David wanting to do more to honor God, his desire rejected by God, but then, remarkably, God stating His desire to do more for David!

What follows is a beautiful expression of overwhelming gratitude from David in v. 18-29, "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord God... And what more can David say to You? For You know your servant, O Lord God! Because of Your promise, and according to Your own heart, You have brought about all this greatness, to make Your servant know it. Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears... And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, and do as You have spoken. And Your name will be magnified forever, saying, The Lord of hosts is God over Israel, and the house of Your servant David will be established before You... And now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. Now therefore may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, so that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of Your servant be blessed forever."

People who are grateful are humble people; people who are not so enamored with their own efforts, but overcome by God's. They are people who see anything given to them as a blessing undeserved, but immensely appreciated. They also see just how much they need those blessings, and though they accept them humbly, they do accept them if God will give them.

Take the time today to think of just how richly God has blessed you. Then, take the time to appreciate it and give God the thanks you owe Him. Praise the Lord and tell of His goodness!