BE SHAMELESS IN THANKSGIVING

Sometime in August 2021, I led the church to our landed property.  We went to praise God on the land before the commencement of the project. While in thanksgiving, I had a prompt to lay down right there in the middle of shrubs. At times, goats stray around the property.

Interestingly, it was my first wearing a lovely white shirt. The first thing that came to my heart was the white shirt. I initially struggled but eventually, I obeyed. I lay right there on the bare ground. I gave God thanks and handed over the project to Him. He took it all over from there.

Beloved, when it comes to thanksgiving, please hold nothing back from the Lord. Thanksgiving is one of the ways that we show our gratitude and acknowledge the Lordship of God in our affairs. As a matter of fact, thanksgiving deflates pride.

King David was not one to hold back his thanksgiving.  It was a major part of his life.

He praised the Lord at all times:

Psalm 34:1 KJV

I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

He had a pattern of dancing with all his might:

2 Samuel 6:14 KJV

And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

He praised the Lord in ways others thought that he was losing it. He did not care. He said I will do it even more.

2 Samuel 6:20 NLT

When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”

David’s response was simple yet instructive:

2 Samuel 6:21-22 NLT

[21] David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. [22] Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!”

How should you give thanks?

First, do it for the Lord. Dance before the Lord. Be conscious that it is for Him. Consciousness helps your attitude.

Second, do it in reflection of His goodness to you. Think deeply about what the Lord has done and what He will still do. Celebrate before the Lord.

Finally, be willing to look foolish before the Lord so He can make you look good and great before men. If you package before the Lord, you will lose that tiny reputation you are trying hard to protect.

God gives more grace to the meek. Do not let your heart be lifted in pride. Praise Him when he desires it and how he desires it whether it is convenient for your ego or not.

Will you praise Him shamelessly today?

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa