What looks like a closed door to
you is God’s pathway to blessing. What appears to be a nightmare can become His
dream for your life. And what may seem like the worst news you could possibly
receive can actually be the point of a new beginning. This is because no matter
what God allows to touch your life, He has a plan for your future through it.
“Everything created by
God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude” (1 Timothy 4:4).
It is easy to
think of God’s goodness in a lighthearted way when it seems that we have
everything going for us—a good job, health, a growing family, two new cars in
the garage, and a house with several bedrooms. Life seems rich and full. But if
we never learn to say “thank you” to the Lord, then we have not learned the
truth of James 1:17. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from
above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation
or shifting shadow.”
There are two
extremes that can prevent us from living with grateful hearts. One is a sense
of pride. We become prideful and believe that we have earned all that we have.
When we have this attitude, we can expect to run headlong into trouble
(Proverbs 16:18).
The second extreme
comes as a result of feeling sorry for ourselves. While the temptation to be
sorrowful—and even depressed—may pull at our hearts at times, we need to refuse
it by turning our eyes heavenward. With a grateful heart we should say, “Thank
You, Lord. I’m hurting, and I know You understand. I don’t know how You will
use this heartache that I am feeling, but I trust You to do just that—use it
for Your glory and for my blessing.”
God loves to
hear our words of worship and praise. When we thank Him—even in times of
difficulty—for His constant care over our lives, we are expressing our faith
and trust in an omnipotent God who watches over every aspect of our lives.
“Jesus Christ
is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, be
grateful that the light of His love covers you.
Still Hungry: Genesis 1;10, Mark 7;18, Romans 14;4,
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