What does "blessed the LORD" teach us about expressing gratitude to God? Seeing the Phrase in Context “David blessed the LORD before the whole assembly and said, ‘Blessed are You, O LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendor, and the majesty… Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name.’” What “blessed the LORD” Means • “Blessed” (Hebrew barak) literally means to kneel, salute, or speak words that elevate. • When Scripture says someone “blessed the LORD,” it shows a conscious, joyful acknowledgment of who God is and what He has done. • Though God Himself is the ultimate Blesser, He invites His people to respond by “blessing” Him with heartfelt praise (Psalm 103:1-2). Key Lessons on Gratitude • Gratitude is vocal, not silent – David spoke before “the whole assembly.” – Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” • Gratitude focuses first on God’s character, then on His gifts – Greatness, power, glory, splendor, majesty (v.11). – Psalm 145:3 “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised.” • Gratitude recognizes God’s ownership of everything we enjoy – 1 Chronicles 29:12 “Wealth and honor come from You.” – Deuteronomy 8:10 “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God.” • Gratitude is corporate as well as personal – David led the assembly; collective thanksgiving deepens unity (Psalm 95:1-3). • Gratitude flows from humility – 1 Chronicles 29:14 “Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?” – James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Ways to “Bless the LORD” Today • Speak praise aloud—name specific attributes (love, mercy, faithfulness). • Kneel or raise hands, reflecting the literal sense of barak. • Testify publicly—share answered prayer or Scripture insight. • Sing psalms and hymns rich in biblical language (Colossians 3:16). • Give generously—offerings are tangible thank-yous (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). • Obey promptly—gratitude proves itself through yielded living (John 14:15). Practical Checklist ☐ Begin each prayer time with praise before petitions. ☐ Record daily mercies in a journal, then read them back to God. ☐ Gather with believers specifically for thanksgiving. ☐ Match every blessing you recognize with an act of service or generosity. Encouragement to Continue Psalm 103:1-2 sums it up: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds.” Every time we echo “blessed the LORD,” we fulfill our created purpose, align our hearts with truth, and keep gratitude vibrant in every season. |
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