To be thankful in everything, is a challenging pursuit, to say the least. But, it is possible to develop the habit of being thankful. One of the first things we must do is to intensify our understanding of God’s authority and power and his loving goodness. Remember the story of Joseph?
We find it in Genesis 37-50. The entire story illustrates the truth of God’s sovereignty. His brothers got rid of him, sold him to slavery because of their hatred and jealousy. And, after years of slavery and imprisonment the usage of his gift to interpret dreams that Pharoah had, he was removed from prison and elevated to the second highest position in the country.
Later, he was reconciled with his brothers and saw his father again. And, when his father Jacob died his brothers feared that Joseph would use vengeance against them. When Joseph learned of this, he broke down and wept. Joseph told his brothers, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” Genesis 50:19-21
Joseph learned and realized that aside from all he suffered he never failed to see God but as sovereign and good. He learned and demonstrated his submission to God’s sovereignty and to God’s goodness. This was most important in every situation he faced and we face; the ticket to a thankful heart!
We must trust and be thankful! If we aren’t thankful we aren’t trusting God. It is that simple. We must develop the habit of trusting God in all things! It is a trying and stressing thing sometimes to do, but do it. I tell myself this constantly. And, I yield to God and tell Him, “I don’t know the why of what I am going through but I trust you and I thank you for being there with me to see me through this venture, in the Name of the Lord.”
I leave it there and wait! I wait to see Him move all the more in my life, and I am thankful. It’s a constant work in progress but my goal is heaven bound…is yours?
ritasalomon 