Blessing the LORD

 

1 Chronicles 29:10a says, “Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said:”

Now, read his prayer keeping in mind that it blessed the Lord.

“Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. “Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:10b-13 NKJV

This prayer of praise blesses Almighty God!

This prayer extends down into verse 19 thanking God that He had given the people all that was needed to build the Temple. If we look closely at the words, it is obvious that David was not just saying them but that he believed them and lived accordingly – or God would not have been blessed by them!

Verse 17 is one we need to ponder:

I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You. 1Chronicles 29:17 NKJV

David saw action that related directly to the “uprightness” of the heart, his own and of those in Israel. People gave generously because of their desire to honor God!

As we go through our days, as we love our families and our neighbors, and as we give to the work of the Lord, God is testing our hearts. He has pleasure in uprightness as well as in our praise of Him (Psalm 106:48).

It is an important matter for us to consider: Is God finding upright hearts in us? Are we making our offerings willingly (even our gifts for others)? Is the joy of the Lord something we are experiencing as we prepare to celebrate His coming to save us from our sins?

The verse at the top says that David “blessed the LORD.” Do you and I bless God with our prayers, praises and actions?