It’s that time of year again—our office Christmas tree is decorated and Thanksgiving Day feasts are upon us. There’s something special about the holidays. As the nation takes time to intentionally reflect on all that it is grateful for, it’s nearly impossible not to be filled with overwhelming love for the God who provides an abundance of blessings.
But let’s not be people who reflect without praise. Let’s be like King David and truly worship God as we give thanks. King David knew how to pursue God and maintain a passion for Him. He pressed into God like no other man before him. He rarely doubted God’s love or faithfulness and lived his life in constant response and thanksgiving to Him. In fact, we can learn a lot from his words:
“Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge. I have said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; my welfare has no existence outside of You'” (Ps. 16:1-2).
What is David doing? He is setting the Lord before him. How is he doing it? By bringing forth the declarations of his heart by the words of his mouth. We set our unseen hearts with our words, for our hearts are always revealed by the words we speak. Conversely, the heart is transformed by the words we speak as well.
In this psalm, David brings out some powerful truths we need to make our own:
- Even kings cannot protect themselves—make God your refuge.
- Call Him yours, your Lord—make it personal.
- Tell Him there is nothing you desire more than Him.
- Set Him permanently before you.
- Give Him preeminence and honor Him with your life.
- Follow Him in everything you do.
- Because He’s in charge, you will stand.
- Since you’re no longer in charge, relax and rejoice.
- Rest in Him.
It’s important that we choose our words wisely, for they guard the passion and presence of God in our hearts. When we speak declarations of love and covenant with God, we strengthen the bonds between us. He is already completely committed to us, but we can increase our commitment to Him.
We are to be fluent in thanksgiving—even after the table is cleared. We are to maintain an attitude of thankfulness for the favors and mercy God has extended to us. We are to live in the Spirit with a thankful heart, blessing and releasing life through our conversations.
One thing I’m especially thankful for this holiday season (and every day) is the revelation of God’s unrivaled love for us. If you missed my blog post about how you are loved uniquely, check it out here. I believe it’s a truth we should all have rooted deep within our hearts. I encourage you to take a moment and praise God for everything you’re thankful for. Use your words to bring forth the declarations of your heart. {eoa}
Lisa Bevere is an international speaker, best-selling author and co-founder of Messenger International. In her transparent style, Lisa shares God’s Word woven with personal experiences to empower lives with freedom and transformation. Her heart breaks over social injustice. As an advocate for change, she rallies others to be an answer to desperate problems near and far. Lisa begins her days with mochas and ends them laughing around the dinner table. Lisa lives in Colorado Springs with the love of her life, author and speaker John Bevere, and their family.
