We begin our Thanksgiving series on “Things We Can Be Thankful For Regardless of Our Circumstances.” It will be three weeks in which we can cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the blessings God gives us regardless of our situation. This week we look at the giving thanks for God’s presence in our lives, and we do it by looking all the way back to King David.

Scripture Reference

2 Samuel 6: 12-23

Sermon Notes

1. Be a David – Give Thanks for the Presence of God
   1. David’s great joy – dancing, leaping, twirling, sacrificing, blessing, and gifting “before the Lord”
   2. We always have the presence of the Lord and should give thanks with joy
   3. Thankfulness shouldn’t be a one-time event for us – it should be daily
2. Don’t Be a Michal – Don’t Condemn Someone Else’s Joy in the Lord
   1. Michal’s great contempt for David, because his celebration was undignified. (The passage is clear, David is approved of, Michal is condemned)
   2. It is tempting for us to look down on those who are more demonstrative in worship, praise, or thanksgiving, but resist. We don’t have to worship like someone else, but if it honors God and they are doing it out of genuine joy in the Lord, it’s not our place to judge.
3. When You Give Thanks, You Only Have to Please an Audience of One
   1. David is clear – he celebrated for an audience of one – “before the Lord”
   2. David is clear – he doesn’t care what others think is undignified
   3. Whatever we feel compelled to do to celebrate God’s presence, if it honors God and we’re focused only on pleasing Him, we shouldn’t worry about anyone else’s opinion