Ascribe Greatness to Our God

In 1 Chronicles 15, we are given a wonderful account of the Ark of the Covenant being brought back to the people of Israel:

"So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-Edom, with rejoicing... So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouts, with the sounding of rams’ horns and trumpets, and of cymbals, and the playing of lyres and harps." (1 Chronicles 15:25, 28)

After a 20-year gap, God once again took center stage among the people of Israel. His presence became preeminent once more. When the people had finished presenting their offerings before God, David appointed Levites to minister—to serve and wait upon the Ark of the Covenant, to make petitions, and to give thanks. That day, David committed a psalm of thanks to the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:8-36). Under David’s skillful leadership and integrity, the people were brought to a place of “ascribing to the Lord the glory due His name.” (1 Chronicles 16:29)

According to this psalm, we can ascribe greatness to the Lord in the following ways:

• Giving thanks (vv. 8, 34)

• Making known what He has done (v. 8)

• Singing praise (vv. 9, 36)

• Telling of His wonderful acts (v. 9)

• Rejoicing as we seek the Lord (v. 9)

• Acknowledging that He is our strength (v. 11)

• Remembering the things He has done (v. 12)

• Declaring that our future is in His capable hands because of His covenant (vv. 5-18)

• Affirming our security in Him, no matter our size or place (vv. 19-21)

• Making proclamation concerning His salvation day after day (v. 23)

• Declaring His glory to the people around us and the heavenly hosts (v. 24)

• Bringing our offerings before Him (v. 29)

• Worshipping the Lord (v. 29)

• Reverently coming before Him (v. 30)

• Proclaiming His great and marvelous handiwork in creation (vv. 31-33)

• Calling out to Him as our Savior (v. 35)

  
  

The Bible records the response of Michal, David’s wife, as she watched David and his men bringing the Ark of the Covenant back with singing, shouting, leaping, and dancing:

"As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal, daughter of Saul, watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart." (See also 2 Samuel 6:20-22)

Someone once said that they have never seen God use a critical person. It is, therefore, essential that we develop a lifestyle of ascribing greatness to God, regardless of our circumstances. Let us not forget that the generation of Israelites who grumbled and complained against the Lord never entered their Promised Land, even though they were His chosen people.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty... I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord... Praise the Lord, my soul. Praise the Lord." (Psalm 104:1, 33-35)