GIVE THANKS

Recently, the local news showed hundreds of vehicles waiting in long lines to pick up much needed food and supplies. Drivers that were interviewed, had their own story, but instead of complaining about their circumstances and the exceptionally long wait, they expressed their profound gratitude to the workers. 

A.W. Tozer, who was a pastor, gifted writer, and a great man of faith, gave his perspective on loss and gratitude: “Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” 

The year 2020 has been a time of great losses for many Americans. Some lost family members and close friends to the Coronavirus. Others lost thriving businesses in which they had invested their lives and resources. Some lost jobs. Some cannot pay their rent or mortgage; some struggle to feed their children; and some are homeless and living on the streets or in their cars. Unfortunately, since the beginning of time, humans have struggled with failing economies, wars, rumors of wars, pandemics, poverty, an uncertain future, the annihilation of humans around the globe, and religious persecution.

Do you remember the Apostle Paul and Silas? They were thrown into a dark, damp prison for sharing the gospel. Around midnight, they prayed and sang hymns praising God while the prisoners listened. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, and the prison doors sprung open and everyone’s chains broke loose. 

The jailer awoke and believing that the prisoners had escaped, drew his sword to kill himself. Paul shouted that they were all there, so the jailer called for lights. He then fell trembling before Paul and Silas and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:25-33). God inconvenienced Paul and Silas through a very uncomfortable and unpleasant situation, so that many would be saved. From that Greek prison in Philippi, we jump the centuries to World War II.

Corrie Ten Boom, a devout Christian, who lived in the Netherlands, had been hiding Jews in a secret compartment of her home, safe from the German Gestapo. But in September of 1944, her activities were discovered and she and her sister, Betsie, were taken to Ravensbruck, a Nazi Concentration Camp for women. 

The barracks where Corrie and her sister were housed were terribly overcrowded and flea-infested. A Bible was smuggled into their barracks, and in their reading, they discovered the life-changing truth that in giving thanks in all situations, God is able to use everything for good (Romans 8:28). So, Corrie and her sister thanked God for His goodness and faithfulness in the midst of suffering with fleas. Miraculously, the guards suddenly stopped coming into their barracks because of the fleas. Thus, all the women were safe from the guards daily assaults, and were free to hear Corrie teach the Word of God without fear of punishment or death. 

Many of Corrie’s beloved family members, including Betsie, died in various concentration camps, yet she had this to say, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that, I still possess.” 

Corrie was afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying within her the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus would be manifested in her body to others (Corinthians 4:8-10). Despite her suffering, she remained grateful and placed her faith in the providential goodness of God and brought many to Christ. Then in December of 1944, God’s sovereign hand made it possible for Corrie to be released, due to a “mistake in the paperwork.” She went on to write books and share the love of Jesus Christ around the world.

Our youngest grandson is a husband and father of two young boys. He calls me almost every day to check on us and to share his day. At various times, he will discuss a situation or problem that he is having. Then he will say, “But on the bright side…” I am secretly delighted when he can see the “bright side” to each negative situation. God wants us to see Him as being the “bright side,” regardless of the circumstances, for “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). 

Our world has been turned upside down, and fear has captured the minds of many, causing the focus to be on the circumstances and not on God and His truth. After all, where is the “bright side” in 2020, when there has been so much loss and uncertainty? For many, their equilibrium, feelings of safety, and hope for the future have been diminished and challenged. However, our sovereign God is calling us to have faith and to trust Him. The Psalmist said: “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:1-4). If we trust God, then fear has no power over us.

What is God saying to us during these difficult and uncertain times? The world cannot offer peace; however, God offered the Prince of Peace, so that those who accept Him, will have a lasting peace. God will do what is necessary to divert man’s eyes away from the world and onto Him. For what is physically seen is not God’s reality, because faith does not see with the eyes; it sees with the heart.

Thanksgiving is not just a day to gorge ourselves with great food. It is a reminder to daily give God thanks and to trust Him, regardless of the circumstances.

I am thankful for family, friends, His provision, and so much more. But I am most thankful for my salvation and for God’s Word that holds 7,487 promises made by Him to us—promises He is faithful to keep (Psalm 145:13). 

We can be thankful that we are God’s child, to whom He comforts with these words: “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). That is a promise that we can count on.

PRAYER: FATHER, I lift up my eyes to You, for my help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth. Help me to always look to You and to give thanks in all things, so that You can bring good from what may appear as an insurmountable obstacle. Continue to strengthen me with faith as I read Your Word, and direct my steps to walk daily in Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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