Posted on Mon, Nov 24, 2008
The heart that will be thankful to God in distress, sadness and sorrows is the heart that puts its trust implicitly on God. Only the heart in which God occupies its softest spot, a heart totally surrendered to God, one transformed from the world with its glittering lures, a heart which acknowledges that God has an over-riding authority over the affairs of this world and can meet any need; only such heart can rejoice and praise God in negative circumstances. Such is a praying heart that is completely saturated with God’s Word on which it meditates day and night.
On Thursday November 27, 2008 we will be observing our annual Thanksgiving day. This year might not have been all rosy for you. Perhaps, it was. Whether or not you are, currently, in a tight spot of some form, I am writing to encourage you to count only your good occurrences this year. In so doing, you will see a need to truly praise God and show Him your uttermost gratitude for your achievements. Thus, you can perform a deed (s) of appreciative kindness to God for someone most in need, particularly, during this holiday season when so many are known to be lonely. Feats so executed would be done on God’s behalf.
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:35-40
Since the fall of man and the corruption of God’s creation by sin, humanity is increasingly faced with troubles of various shapes and forms, which tend to, but should not cloud up our sense of gratitude to God. By sacrificing His sinless life for our transgressions,
Sometimes we grapple with difficulties. Some may be self-inflicted and many more may be chastisements that are allowed by God for our ultimate good. The experience might be painful, but remember that “no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11
You may say, “I am unemployed. It is out of place for me to praise God who allowed my loss of employment. Amidst mountains of unpaid bills and floods of annoying and incessant calls from collections, to thank God is being hypocritical.” Yes, you still should praise Him for He knows and holds your future. He understands what is best for you. So, regardless of your mishap, you should thank God who is carrying your burdens and is certain to see you through to victory. “…In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
It takes a special heart that God has wholly and purely conditioned to be thankful to God when things go wrong. Humanity in its depraved state is in mad pursuit of inordinate happiness, which innately drives him toward self fulfillment, keeping out God. Thus, God is not at the helm of his life’s affairs to direct and guide his actions.
Dear friend, when you are tempted to despair and be sad when trouble strikes, remember that God, in whose hand is your future, has enjoined “you to look unto Him;” to “cast all your burdens on Him”, and with prayer and supplication and thanksgiving, to let your request be made known to Him. Worries can not change your circumstances, but your praises driven by faith in God can.
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:23-27
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