There is room for Praise.
No matter how dark and closed a life becomes, there is room for light, there is room for praise, there is room for an alternate approach, there are the methods of God for hope.
Remember, at the onset, we all prayed God would defeat the disease of Covid. He did, and actively is. But how many people have returned to thank Him? Remember Jesus’ question in Luke 17:17...
“…the nine, where are they?”
…Probably off somewhere worried about the next thing, which apart from Christ they could do nothing about (see John 15:5(c)).
If you are reading this post, this is a kind and gentle reminder to all Christians: Where are we?
Where are we spiritually? Where are we as a church body? Where are we making the most impact in the world, in policy, in law, in the future direction of society? If we are not on the road with Jesus, we are not gaining spiritual ground for the Kingdom of God.
Let’s not be like the nine. Let’s be like the one who returned to Christ and gave appreciation by following Him closely on the road.
Remember, God did not take the cup from Jesus (in that He still went to the cross), but God has. God has removed that cup. Christ has risen from the grave and is seated in glory, preparing a return, preparing us to come, preparing A Day where there will be no questions from us. You see, God heard that request; God ultimately removed that cup; God elevated Christ to High Stature.
The methods of God create
an unbreakable pattern.
This Divine pattern overrides
all forms of earthly trouble.
Also remember, Christ spoke God's Word in the middle of trouble ("My God, My God...Why hast Thou forsaken Me..?" to "It is finished."—are found in the Psalm of the Cross, no. 22, AMPC).
Whatever you may be going through, however you may feel, no matter how long you have been waiting in uncertainty about your earthly fate, there is much to be thankful for. God may not have delivered you just yet, but He has in the past and He will again. He hears your prayers, your supplications, your petitions—over and over you speak, over and over He notices. He knows we are “sheep” prone to ironic and circular troubles. He understands our infirmities, weaknesses and frustrations here. Your words spoken to God are not in vain. He listens closely. He knows right where you are—physically, spiritually both. He makes good on His promises to save you and keep you. He will give you a direction. He will grant you peace.
For now, take a slice of your holiday (Holy Day) time and give it to the God of Eternity. Replace all the worry you would have spent in it to no use, with all the praise due a Holy and Powerful, Giving God. The ”Psalm of Thanksgiving” is found in 1 Chronicles 16:8 through 1 Chronicles 16:36 (link provided in "Sources" section below).
The Word of God is given to you for your personal use and for God’s remembrance (all the good things He has done) and for God's petition and praise (for all the good He will continue to do). You may wish to open the side by side view and look at the Hebrew (top ribbon). Highlight the Hebraic words to see the wealth of definitions, and discover the impact and the depth of meaning each word contains and savor all of them.
This Thanksgiving, remember that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (see Matthew 4:4).
Give God’s words precedent over the noise of the world, like David did, and enter His courts with Praise. This is the true Thanksgiving tradition.
God bless you.
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SOURCES:
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC),
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission. www.lockman.org