December 30, 2018 | Tom Dunham
Passage: Psalms 136:1-9
David’s ‘Default’
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
There are many stories about King David from which we can draw lessons for life. Some of those would be about his faults. But today we will focus on David’s ‘default.’
David defaulted to thanksgiving and praise to his God. Psalm 136 exemplifies that, see verses 1-9 & 23-26 …
Today, we will go ‘interactive’ once again … … …
First, to ‘prime the pump’ of thanksgiving:
It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich! -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
We would worry less if we praised more.
Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction. -Harry Ironside
We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.
-C.S. Lewis
When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude. -G.K. Chesterton
The person who has stopped being thankful has fallen asleep. -Robert Louis Stevenson
How happy a person is depends on the depth of his gratitude. -John Miller
He who does not thank for little will not thank for much. -Estonian proverb
No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks. -Ambrose of Milan
The things we take for granted are dreams for many people.
As the Lord loveth a cheerful giver, so likewise a cheerful thanksgiver.
Thou Who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing: a grateful heart!
-George Herbert
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -I Thessalonians 5:18