Dancing Before the Lord
“Now King David was told, ‘The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.’ So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing… Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.”
— 2 Samuel 6:12, 14–15
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”
— Psalm 30:11–12
David’s response to God’s goodness was not timid. He celebrated openly, joyfully, and without reservation. His thanksgiving spilled over into action—into dancing, feasting, giving, and worship.
And that is where gratitude leads us, too.
Gratitude That Moves Us
Gratitude isn’t meant to stay bottled up in our hearts. True thanksgiving always moves us outward—toward generosity, celebration, and worship. David didn’t just whisper “thank you” to God when the ark returned to Jerusalem. He prepared a feast, he blessed the people, and he danced with abandon. His gratitude overflowed in such a way that the whole community shared in his joy.
When we’re truly thankful, we can’t help but live differently. Gratitude changes our perspective, softens our hearts, and inspires us to love others more deeply. It turns inward reflection into outward expression.
Gratitude and the Christmas Season
As we move from Thanksgiving into the Christmas season, it’s important to carry this posture of gratitude with us. David’s joy points us forward to the greatest gift God has ever given—the gift of His Son.
John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
At Christmas, we celebrate the miracle of God Himself stepping into our brokenness, offering hope and salvation. What greater reason could we possibly have to overflow with thanks?
Gratitude keeps Christmas grounded in its true meaning. It keeps us from getting lost in the busyness, the shopping lists, and the endless to-dos. Instead, it calls us to worship, to rejoice, and to remember that Jesus is God’s ultimate expression of love.
Living Out Overflowing Thanks
David’s thanksgiving led to generosity—he gave gifts of food and blessings to everyone present. In the same way, our gratitude can become a gift to others. This season, consider how your thankfulness might lead to tangible expressions of love:
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Writing a note of encouragement to a friend or family member.
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Preparing a meal for someone who is lonely or struggling.
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Giving generously to your church, a ministry, or a family in need.
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Speaking words of affirmation over your children, spouse, or loved ones.
These small actions are powerful when fueled by a heart of gratitude. They point others to the goodness of God.
Reflection and Challenge
As this gratitude series closes, I want to leave you with a simple challenge: don’t let your thanksgiving stop at the table. Let it overflow into your Christmas season. Let your gratitude shape your words, your giving, your celebrations, and your heart.
Gratitude changes everything—not because it’s about us, but because it points us back to Him.
Reflection Questions
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How can I carry the lessons of gratitude from this series into the Christmas season?
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What specific actions can I take to let my thankfulness overflow into generosity and love?
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How can I slow down and keep Christ at the center of my celebrations this year?
A Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for teaching me what it means to have a heart of thanks. Like David, may my gratitude move me to worship, to celebrate, to give, and to love. As I enter the Christmas season, keep my eyes fixed on Your greatest gift—Your Son, Jesus. May my heart overflow with thankfulness that shines through my words, my actions, and my relationships. Let this season be filled with joy, not because of what I have, but because of Who I have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Thought
David’s story reminds us that gratitude is not meant to stay hidden. It’s a flame that spreads, a song that rises, a gift that multiplies. This season, may we be women who not only whisper thanks but who live it out boldly, joyfully, and generously—pointing everyone around us to the One who is worthy of all our praise.
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