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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise My heart joins with David and the Levites in praise: “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice!” (Ps 105:1–3). Today in Your Word Today you told me how David brought the ark to Jerusalem. David asked the Levites to prepare a musical procession that would be a worthy accompaniment to this great occasion. The cymbals, harps, lyres, trumpets and singing elevated the people’s hearts and minds, focused their attention on you, and helped them express their feelings of joy and praise. It also helped seal this moment in their memory for years to come. This teaches me that it’s good to begin a task by praising you, for it will inspire me to give you my best. David was right there in the middle of the procession, “dancing before the Lord with all his might” (2 Sam 6:14). He was not worried about what people would think of him, and he did not allow his position as king to keep him from whole-hearted celebration. In contrast, Michal was so disgusted by his undignified behavior that she could not rejoice in the ark’s return. She looked out the window and saw David, but she did not see you. How tragic that her pride caused her to miss out on your glorious presence. One of the songs that was sung at this joyous event was Psalm 105. This psalm is a celebration of your “wondrous works” for Israel, from the sojourn in Egypt to the conquest. It teaches me that true praise delights to remember what you have done and rejoices to tell others of your mighty deeds. The psalm ends with a call for obedience: “And he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the fruit of the people’s toil, that they might keep his statues and observe his laws” (Ps 105:44–45). This reminds me that I serve you out of gratitude for all that you have done for me! Reflection David was actively involved in leading the people to worship you. Am I making celebration, thanksgiving and praise a priority in my own life and the life of my family? Request Father, give me a heart that rejoices in your presence and sings of your glory. Help me to put aside any worry about my appearance and enter into whole-hearted praise before you. Thanksgiving Thank you for the wonders that you have done, your marvels and the judgments of your mouth. My heart seeks the Lord and is glad (Ps 105:3, 5). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Give Thanks to God, Invoke His Name” — Isaac Watts. Meditation Verse: Psalm 105:44–45.