O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

• One of the greatest dangers is when we become forgetful.
• We receive blessings, yet we forget the Giver.
• God repeatedly calls His people to remember, to give thanks and to praise His Holy Name.
• Our text comes from a moment of joyful remembrance in 1 Chronicles 16.
• David brings the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.
• It was a time of victory, restoration, and renewed worship.
• In the midst of this celebration, David leads the people in praise.
• In the heart of that praise is this simple yet profound command:

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

THE PROBLEM OF UNGRATEFULNESS

• Man is born unto trouble, Job 5: 7
• We cannot choose our situation in life.
  • Parents
  • Circumstances
  • Problems
• We can choose our attitude, how we respond to our circumstances.
• Oftentimes, God has so blessed us in many ways.
• But we always have the wrong attitude – always discontented. 
  • 1 Tim. 6:6 – Godliness with contentment is great gain.
  • Verse 8, And having food and raiment let us therewith be content. 
  • Focus on money – 1 Tim. 6: 10, “The love of money is the root of all evil”. 
  • Focused on other people and become envious, James 4:1.
  • James 3:14-16 – If ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom is not from above but is earthly, sensual, and devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 
  • I John 3: 12 – Cain slew his brother because of envy. 
• The problem of ingratitude is not seeing God’s goodness, so that we become bitter.  Hebrews 12: 15
• The problem of ingratitude is a heart problem.  (Matt. 12: 33-35)
  • A tree is known by his fruit.
  • Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
  • A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things.
  • An evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
• Sometimes we are surrounded by envious people, who are unhappy when the Lord blesses us and makes us fruitful.
• We should not allow their wrong attitude to influence us.  (Psalm 1)
• We should be happy that God has placed us in the influence of godly and blessed people.  (Just like in the camp of Abraham)
• Blessed people are those who are happy when they become a channel of blessings.  (Prov.11:25). 
• If you have a problem when God blesses other people, examine your heart, you have a heart problem. 2 Cor. 13: 5
• Our prayers should be Lord make me a channel of blessings to your people, to pastors. 
• You have to look, how God is blessing you through the supportive people around you. 
• If God is blessing others, especially those people God is using to be a blessing to you, do not be bitter but rather rejoice.  (No crab mentality).
• Because if you have the wrong attitude you will lose God’s blessings. 

THE CALL TO BE GRATEFUL – GOD’S COMMAND AND PURPOSE

• God wants us to be grateful always, to focus on the bright side of life.  Phil. 4:4,6.  
• God wants us to be victorious always, thankful in every situation. 1 Thes. 5: 18.
• When we have the attitude of praise and thanksgiving, we express our faith to God. Romans 8: 28.
• We are to be thankful to God even in hard times (Jer. 17: 5-9).
• Our attitude of contentment and gratitude is seen in our submission and humility. (James 4: 6; Phil. 2: 13-14).
• God is pleased to see our faith and fruitfulness (John 15:8, Heb. 11: 6; Gal. 5: 22-23). 

THE REASON OF OUR GRATITUDE – GOD’S GOODNESS

• God is good, His mercy endures forever.  (1 Chron. 16:34)
• God is good because he provided salvation for us, Rom. 5: 8
• God is good because He is a good giver.
• Matthew 7:7-11
  • Ask and it shall be given you
  • If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more is your Father which is in heaven….
• God continue to bestow His goodness to us through the many opportunities He is giving us. 
• The reason for God to withdraw His blessings on you is the attitude of pride and resistance.
• When God sends you blessings, and you are unhappy of God’s blessings for you. 
• Your sinful actions and lack of faith will hinder God’s blessings.  (Like Israelites at Canaan)
• Psalm 84: 11

THE RIGHT CHOICE – A LIFE OF GRATITUDE

• Problems are either God’s correction or trials.
  • If trials then we should be joyful (James 1:2-4)
  • If correction or discipline, we should submit, Heb. 12: 5-9. 
• Sometimes we do not have the choice in our circumstances in life, but we can choose to have the right attitude.  (Heb. 12: 15). 
• When we have the right attitude, we are not that complaining and grumbling type. 
• We are patient, loving, and respectful toward others. 
• Despite our shortcomings, God is good to us. 
• The best way is to see our shortcomings than be self-righteous and faultfinding.
• A holier than thou attitude can blind you. 
• We must see ourselves as unworthy yet desiring to serve God, Luke 17: 10. 
• Dedicate ourselves to God and pray for others
• Be thankful to the Lord always, for His mercies and forgiveness.
• Thank God for the people He is using as a channel of blessings.
• Thank God for the preaching of His words, don’t get offended.
• Thank God for the pastors He is using for the progress of the works.
• Thank God for the corrections.
• Thank God for everything, 1 Thes. 5: 18.