Giving Thanks in Everything

[MOMof2SoFar]

So, today, as I drove to my drill weekend for the Navy Reserves, I listened to an MP3 of John MacArthur.  He is a wonderful pastor and speaker, and all of his stuff can be found at gty.org.  I have downloaded many of his sermons, and this morning I listened to his "Giving Thanks in Everything" sermon.  It was a stark reminder of the necessity to praise God in the good times and the bad, especially with our economy in the situation in which it is currently.  Nowadays, we find so many things about which to be disgruntled and discontent; I don't have that toy, his house is larger, look at that car, etc.  It is saddening, because this is not what God wants for us at all.  He yearns for us to always look to Him in thanksgiving for the many blessings He has poured upon each of us.  1 Thessalonians tells us to give thanks in everything, which is unconditional...circumstances do not matter!  At any given time, we must be able to find something about which to be thankful to God, and if nothing else, we always have our salvation for which to give thanks. 

And yet, we forget.  We get side-tracked and distracted by the troubles of this world, not remaining wholly dedicated to the truth of the Spirit at all times.  If we walk by the Spirit, then we will see things through God's eyes at all times, and we can know the reality of the spiritual condition in which we are living.  Without a Spirit-led existence, though, we are held to the whims of this world, and swayed as easily as the waves and the wind.  Let us not be found movable!  But, stand firm in the grace of our God, who goes before us in all things to prepare His purpose in our lives, planning each day for our good!  He tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you a future and hope," (Jeremiah 29:11), "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose," (Romans 8:28).  Let us be found sound in our faith, believing the Word of God as Truth, and diligently studying His Word, so that we may be solid in His Ways, His character, and His promises.  God is not confusing; "God is not a God of disorder, but of peace," (1 Corinthians 14:33) so we need not be troubled.  His Ways may not be entirely understandable, but He surely has given us a beautiful blueprint to understand Him at some level.  I believe He is easier to comprehend than most people, because at least He has given us a manual by which to live to please Him...people are much more fickle! 

So, in this day, and every day, I give praise to our awesome God.  A God upon whom I can lean in my distress, who upholds me when I am weak, and leads me when I am blind.  What a beautiful God we serve!  May we never stop singing His praise!