God’s gift . . .
Being Thankful in All Seasons
“I always thank my God for you . . . for in him you have been enriched in every way
—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”
1 Corinthians 1:4-5
It is challenging, but the question needs to be asked . . .
Are you thankful no matter what, . . . for what you have, for what you have been given,
for those in your life, for your salvation through Christ?
It is humbling to think about just how much we depend upon God for everything . . . He is the creator and sustainer of all living things, and every good and perfect gift comes from Him . . . In Him, we live and breathe and are . . . but it’s easy to forget this important detail.
Do we remember to acknowledge our dependence on God?
Do we give God the thanks He deserves for all things?
It’s easy for our common, everyday prayers to become flippant, or even hard to listen to or follow . . . we can easily “zone out” from ourselves . . . When we say something so many times, every day, every year we can start to take it for granted . . . That doesn’t mean we should stop praying, and that doesn’t mean that we don’t believe in what we’re saying . . . we just need to be more focused and attentive.
When was the last time, in the middle of all the chaos and hurry, that you really considered every word you
prayed as you bowed your head and poured out your heart to the Lord?
Did you truly think about what you’re asking for?
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Psalm 28:7
INSIGHT . . .
So . . . Grateful, thankful, blessed in all seasons?
We experience all kinds of “seasons” over the years . . . some of them on the calendar and some of them within our day-to-day lives . . . sometimes they meld nicely together, and other times they collide with a crash.
As we move into the holiday seasons on the calendar, other seasons of our lives will affect how and if we find joy in this time of year . . . in the Bible, joy is that deep, heart and soul state of contentment and hope, that does not depend upon outside circumstances.
Joy is very different from happiness, which is brief, fleeting, and depends upon the earthly world around us . . . biblical joy is persistent, stable, and lasting . . . Our joy with God can coexist with suffering, because as we believe in Christ, we find our joy deep within us, in God's offer of salvation and promise of eternal life . . . and we can be grateful and thankful because we are so blessed.
Ecclesiastes 3 begins, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” . . . So, for everything that happens in life—there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven.
Have you ever experienced a situation where waiting is frustrating, yet, in the long run, the wait turned out to be a blessing?
The great thing, if one can,
is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions and
realize that unforeseen circumstances are the plan.
(C. S. Lewis)
The Lord has a reason and a season for everything! . . . Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 offers timeless wisdom that speaks directly to the need for patience and discernment . . . It reminds us of both sides of every circumstance of life. . . and that everything happens in God’s timing—divine timing.
God’s timing is perfect.
We may not understand it, but it is always for our good.
(Billy Graham)
Today's culture seems to worship and glorify speed . . . We want everything now, from instant meals to the fastest internet . . . taking time or having patience to wait is vital and essential to discerning God’s plan . . . yet that can get lost in the noise of immediate gratification.
As we journey through the seasons of life, we need to ask ourselves, does this align with God's timing?
How often are we sacrificing quality for speed?
Recognizing that there is "a time for everything under heaven" encourages each of us to ask and listen for God's timing in all aspects of life . . . The wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 calls us to be patient, discerning, and trusting in God's perfect plan.
You can read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, or revisit it in this rendition by The Byrds . . .
♪♬♪ Revisiting the 60’s . . . Turn, Turn, Turn (The Byrds)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTZ65HZw7x8&list=RDQTZ65HZw7x8&start_radio=1
INVITATION—TO TALK WITH GOD . . .
Thanksgiving—the giving of thanks—to God for all His blessings . . . this should be one of the most distinctive characteristics of those who believe in Jesus Christ . . . nothing will do more to restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thankfulness.
God loves us—He loves you; He loves me—and He wants us to be part of His family forever . . . every day remember to thank God for His mercy and His grace to us in Jesus Christ.
As you read this scripture, picture each phrase in your mind . . . imagine the Lord listening to you and talking with you as you go through the words . . . Ask God to show your heart and soul what is most important for you to hear in the Psalmist’s words.
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! . . .
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! . . .
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Psalm 139:1-6, 17-18, 23-24
As the words of the song Give Thanks reminds us . . . “Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One, Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son, Give thanks!”
ILLUMINATION . . .
Time and again, we see Jesus give thanks to God in all things . . .
Whether it’s a meal with friends or in the Garden of Gethsemane when He is awaiting his death,
Jesus turns to His Father to give thanks.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Pause and reflect for a moment . . . Picture Jesus as He raises His trusting eyes to His Father in thanks.
Can you trust God like Jesus does?
Do you turn to God in thanksgiving, no matter what is happening in your life?
The Bible makes it clear we are supposed to live a life of gratitude, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, good or bad . . . Gratitude is a choice. . . . We can choose to be thankful in every circumstance in our life, or we can choose to grumble and complain, and be miserable.
We live in chaotic, confusing times filled with selfishness, pride, and lack of concern for others . . . But we don’t have to feel confused . . . we can find our contentment, joy, and strength through Christ . . . and when you struggle to find gratitude, remember this picture of Jesus and look upward to God in the same way . . . and let the rest of the world fade into the background.
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.”
Psalm 103:2-4
INSPIRATION—PRAYING THROUGH MUSIC . . .
Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.
(Maria von Trapp)
I encourage you to take time to listen to any or all the songs below . . . there is no right or wrong style of music—it is what speaks to you . . . listen to the melody and the lyrics and feel the response of your heart to what God wants you to hear . . . and I do understand that music doesn’t speak to everyone . . . and that is okay too.
♪♬♪ Current . . . Goodness of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AwLTeMyq20&list=RD-AwLTeMyq20&start_radio=1
♪♬♪ Traditional . . . Give Thanks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk_7wUR2Wdg&list=RDBk_7wUR2Wdg&start_radio=1
INTO EACH DAY AHEAD . . .
When we look at what God has done, does, and will do for us in our future, do we have grateful hearts?
. . . Do we sincerely thank Him?
The phrase “give thanks” appears in the Bible 58 times, the word “thanksgiving” 39 times, and the word "gratitude" 157 times . . . Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help us get through all the challenges we have in life, and it can help us appreciate the good moments even more, because with God we are not alone and should appreciate His presence and love . . . Living with gratitude is essential to being a Christian.
I have found that, rather than dwelling on the negative,
if we will take a step back and consider
the blessings in our lives,
including seemingly small,
sometimes overlooked blessings,
we can find greater happiness.
(Thomas S. Morrison)
This year, as we move into the Advent and Christmas season, I want to hold on tight to every moment . . . I want to cherish each experience, each relationship with friends and family . . . enjoy the music and sounds, and the lights, the laughter, and tears, and take time to treasure precious memories from the past.
What about you? . . .
What do you want for the weeks ahead?
But I am not good at all this when left on my own . . . I need God’s help to keep me focused . . . We all NEED God! . . . We need God front and center in our minds! . . . We need to give God our hearts, our souls, our minds, and our strength! . . . Or we lose out on the biggest priority of all—the blessing and gift of Jesus Christ . . .
We need to be thankful and give thanks!
May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you His favor and grant you His peace.
And may we remember to be grateful and thankful
for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us.—Amen.
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