What does God think of Thanksgiving? He is blessed and honored it because Thanksgiving is a mark of a saint who knows God's character and His position as God alone. The Lord is a giver of all good gifts and He is worthy of Thanksgiving. Since God's qualities are not hidden, Thanksgiving is not optional. "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, His eternal policy and divine nature have been clearly seen. Being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified to him as God, nor gave thanks to Him. But they're thinking became futile and they're foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:20-21.
The absence of glory and thanksgiving ascribed to God leads to darkened hearts and futile thinking. May God's people receive wisdom as we glorify his eternal power and divine nature with praise and thanksgiving. God is Jehovah, the great I am. He is El-Shaddai, the Almighty God. He is Jehovah Jireh, God our provider. Every good and perfect gift is from above and coming down from the Father of the Heavenly Light, he does not change like the shifting shadows. James I:16 -18.
Everything we enjoy in the present and coming age is a gift from God worthy of thanksgiving, but what if our life is a mess. What if our circumstances feel like anything but a gift from God. Circumstances may deceive us but God's word tells us, "We know that all things God works for those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose", Romans 8:28.
God is also at work for our good and His glory. Physical thanksgiving does not focus on our circumstances but on the character of God. Circumstances change, God does not. In Psalm 73 David was perplexed at the prosperity of the wicked while the godly faced difficulties and trial. However, reminding himself that God alone was his provision, council, strength, desire, and portion. He knew from God's word the fate of those who are far from God, and he remembered that it was good and right for him to be near God, his refuge, offering thanksgiving for all God has done. Those who have the salvation of God through the faith in Jesus Christ know the secret to peace is following of thanksgiving. The Apostle Paul's writing to the Philipians said, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and partition with thanksgiving present your request to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". Philipians 4:6-7.
By submitting our request to God with a thankful heart we receive peace that transcends all understanding. Thanksgiving is integral to the right relationship with God. It is a hallmark of the true follower of Jesus Christ because thanksgiving honors God bringing glory to his name and blessings beyond measure. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as a member of one body you were called to peace. Be and be thankful, Colossians, 3:15. Everything we enjoy in the present and coming age is a gift from God worthy of thanksgiving.
| ||||||||||||||
Speak for a child in court... www.tulsacasa.org
No comments:
Post a Comment