The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

“Praise be to you, Lord,
    the God of our father Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
    and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
    for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
    you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
    you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
    to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
    and praise your glorious name.

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

1 Chronicles 29:9-14

David, upon being rejected by God when he desired to build the temple to the Lord himself, did not sulk or moan but praised God that his son would be allowed to build the temple. Moreover, he praised God that he was allowed to have the wealth in his country to build a treasury that would fund the temple someday. Not only King David but the whole assembly of the people praised God for the ability and opportunity to contribute to the building of the house of the Lord!

How enthusiastic are we for the great and wonderful opportunities we have to bless those around us with what God has given us? I hope that we can follow David’s example and exalt God for the present and future works he provides for us.

Ethan Kirl