“BEING THANKFUL FOR WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE”

Continuing our series “Getting Ready For The Holidays”, this week’s title is “Being Thankful For What We Already Have.” On Thursday, we will gather together as family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving and offer thanks to the Lord for what we already have.

I find it curious that too often we focus on what we don’t have instead of focusing on what we do have. Do you realize that compared to other countries of the world, we are a rich nation who is inhabited by rich people? So, be intentional to truly thank God from the bottom of your heart.

Take a moment out of your busy schedule and read 1 Chronicles 29:1-20.

In this passage of scripture, we see David’s great prayer of praise and supplication which marks the climax of his reign. Israel’s king praises God for his universal kingdom and recognizes him as the source of all his wealth and strength (see vv. 10-13). Indeed, even the generosity of David and the people for providing for the temple comes from God himself (see vv. 14-16). They depend entirely on God for their security and well - being, and even in the Promised Land, they are strangers and sojourners before God (see v. 15). David then reflects on the fact that God examines the human heart for integrity or uprighteousness (see v. 17), a further indication that the Chronicler cares above all for the inner reality of faith. He then concludes by praying that God will keep the people in the same purpose and mind as they have shown this day, and will give to Solomon a whole heart in obedience to God’s commandments (see vv. 18-19).

Now read 1 Chronicles 29:1-9. David is a shining example of devotion to God. No wonder God called him a “man after his own heart”. David wanted to build a temple to God more than anything, but God said no, but chose Solomon to build it instead. And rather than sulk or express anger, David threw all his support behind Solomon. He not only commissioned Solomon before the whole assembly, but he gave an enormous amount of money and precious commodities toward the building of the temple, as well. When he challenged others to do the same, they followed his example, ensuring the project’s success. David never lost sight of why he wanted to build the temple - for the glory and honor of God!

• What do you find most inspiring about this account?
• Have you ever wanted to do something that God said no to? What was your response? How should you have responded?
• What do you think is the key to not caring who gets the credit for something?
• David gave an enormous amount of commodities to the temple. What would be an equivalent for us to give today?
• Have you ever been inspired to generosity by someone else’s example, just as David inspired the tribes of Israel? Is so, share with us about it.

Read vv.10-15. David realizes that nothing he has is because of his own ability or cleverness, but that everything comes from God. This attitude allowed him to have a loose grip on the things of this world or as we now refer to as “materialism”. But, as we see, we don’t have to be wealthy to give of ourselves.

• Name all the reasons that David found to praise and thank God in this passage.
• If you were to compose a similar prayer, what kinds of things would you praise God for?
• How can such a prayer affect our entire lives? What kind of perspective does it give us?

Now finish reading vv.16-20. David delights in God. He felt so blessed and charges the people to remain faithful to such a good God. He would have agreed with William Carey, the great missionary pioneer to India. When Carey was on his deathbed, a young man named Alexander Duff visited him. He greatly admired the famous missionary. After a long visit, Carey asked Duff to pray with him. Following the prayer, when Duff turned to leave, he heard Carey’s feeble voice calling back.

“Mr. Duff,” said Carey, “you have been speaking about ‘Dr. Carey, Dr. Carey, Dr. Carey’. When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey. Speak only about Dr. Cary’s Savior.” (F. W. Boreham, “William Carey’s Life Text,” Wholesomewords.org)

• What kind of attitude should we have when God says no to our desire to do something, even something that seems as though it would honor him?
• What should be our attitude toward the thing(s) God does allow us to do?
• How does thankful praise to God change our attitude about who gets the credit for things?
• What was David’s overriding concern in  v. 18? What should be our overriding concern?

Excerpted from Christian Bible Studies.com & smallgroups.com