Author Archives Dawson Cowals

When David appointed the worship band to lead the people in praise before the Ark of the Covenant these were some of the stirring choruses they raised. As a worship leader and writer of praise songs I love to see how David and his men lead others in proclaiming the majesty of the Lord and declaring his glory. It is a good example to follow. I like how they had guitars (lyres), keys (harps) and drums (cymbals)! I think we are often missing out on the mighty voice of the trumpets they also used, though!

He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to extol, thank, and praise the Lord, the God of Israel: Asaph was the chief, and next to him in rank were Zechariah, then Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals, and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.
—1 Chronicles 16:4-6

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
—1 Chronicles 16:8-11

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
—1 Chronicles 16:23-27

The next chorus of praise later became part of Psalm 29 which I used along with Psalm 19 in my song Ascribe To the Lord.

Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
—1 Chronicles 16:28-30

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.”
—1 Chronicles 16:34-36

I love the last part of verse 36! Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.”

Scriptures referenced by this devotional:

• 1 Chronicles 16:4-6
• 1 Chronicles 16:8-11
• 1 Chronicles 16:23-27
• 1 Chronicles 16:28-30
• 1 Chronicles 16:34-36
• Psalm 19
• Psalm 29

I am so glad that he is our rock & sure foundation. He keeps our feet from slipping when the worries of this world threaten to steal our peace.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5, 6 NIV)

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:18, 19 NIV)