April 17, 2025 - 1 Chronicles 13-16

“David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader.  And David said to all the assembly of Israel, ‘If it seems good to you and from the Lord our God . . . let us bring again the ark of our God to us . . . All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people” (13:1-4).  When they brought the ark up, they set inside a tent, they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God, and David blessed the people in the name of the Lord.  The scene ended with David declaring, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” (16:8) and, then, telling of those deeds.  Two thoughts, this morning:  One, with Solomon, we can say, “In an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).  David was wise to consult with all his leaders, even hundreds and thousands, and with the assembly of Israel and, especially with the Lord himself.  And, two, if we wish to be encouraged day by day and live with abundant hope, perhaps the most important thing we can do is to recall the deeds of the Lord and all his faithfulness to us.  Make known his deeds!  Indeed!

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.   -- Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)