“We give thanks to Thee, O God, we give thanks!” Psalm 75:1(a)
Giving thanks is not always a natural response, especially when life throws you a curveball, or you are not feeling well, or you face difficult decisions, or… In tough times often the more natural inclination is to complain. But being thankful is not only commanded, it is also a choice. Sometimes it helps to reflect back on life and remember. Here are a few reasons I am thanking God today:
He is the Provider: He has provided for me my whole life. His provision is plentiful, life-sustaining, and satisfying. His provision is for now and for all eternity. (And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NASB) This is a whole topic in itself, and maybe I will blog about each of these points separately. Stay tuned.
He is the Protector: When I think back on all my travels (and we have traveled a lot!), the various places we have lived, the potential for harm and injury… When I acknowledge that at times I have been in danger – knowingly and unknowingly … I must thank Him for the many ways He protected me. (The Lord is your protector; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not beat down on you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time and forever. Psalm 121:5-8 NASB)
He is the Peace-Giver: He fills my heart and mind with peace – in times of uncertainty, unpredictability – in times that otherwise could cause anxiety – He gives His peace to me, and I am thankful. (Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV)
He is the great Physician: So many times He was with me in illness, and He carried me through. He healed my broken bones, my childhood and tropical illnesses, viruses, and infections. He brought me through surgeries and post-op recoveries. (Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:2-3 ESV)
He is my Pace Setter: Although too often I try to run ahead, taking on more than He asks of me, He always reins me in and brings me back to the pace He wants me to keep. He sets the perfect pace – not too fast and not too slow. If I would only listen, ask, and wait, I would be better for it! (The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23 KJV)
His is the Power enabling me to go on when I don’t feel like it. His power helps me persevere when I feel weak. It is in His strength that anything of value is accomplished. (I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 BSB)
He is the Perfecter of my faith (Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB)
He is my Go-To Place: He is the very place of peace, rest, and safety – where I can feel His Presence. He holds me near to His heart and I want to linger there. Yet so often I yield to distractions and run off chasing after this or that – things of unimportance – things that take my focus away from Him. Although I am always with Him, I do not always acknowledge or seem to be aware of Him – in and around me. (For in him we live, and move, and have our being… Acts 17:28 KJV)
The hymn, Near to the Heart of God, expresses it well:
There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God,
a place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release, near to the heart of God,
a place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.
Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
– Cleland Boyd McAfee (1866 – 1944)
As you reflect back on your life what will you choose to thank God for?
Blessings,
Ruth