April 4, 2023 - 1 Chronicles 13-16

“David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader. And David said . . . ‘Let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.’ All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people” (13:1-4). And when the ark was brought to Jerusalem, “Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the Lord by Asaph and his brothers. Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” (16:7-8)

These thoughts. First, as Solomon put it, “In an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). As it was for David and Solomon, so it is with us in the church; it is good to talk with one another and gather counsel when making important decisions. A second thought: We must be conscientious about doing what needs to be done; when we, or others, fail to act in a timely manner (the people failed to bring the ark up in the days of Saul), it is good to set that right and get on with what needs to be done. A third thought: When all is said and done, when we have done what needs to be done, we should give thanks to the Lord.

O praise ye the Lord, and sing a new song,

amid all his saints his praises prolong.

The praise of their Maker his people shall sing,

and children of Zion rejoice in their King.

In glory exult, ye saints of the Lord;

with songs in the night high praises accord.

Go forth in his service and strong in his might

to conquer all evil and stand for the right. -- Trinity Psalter Hymnal