WE GIVE THANKS
November 26th, 2008
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” My, how those words flow easily from our lips! The problem is: the words so often come straight from our heads, not our hearts. We are saying the ‘right’ words, but the sentiment is often shallow. Proof of that comes the instant something goes wrong. As soon as we enter a storm in our lives, or even if we do not get our way in a situation, the Lord seems to lose His good-ness in our eyes. Then our tune changes as we rail at God for the mess in which we find ourselves.
I would propose to you: if you declare that God is good, then He is good all the time, regardless of the situation. If my foundation is built on the goodness of God, then that foundation does not crumble simply because I fall on hard times. On the contrary, during those hard times I absolutely must stand firmly on that foundation; everything in me must declare His goodness.
Dear child of God, these times are indeed difficult. Those who have read the Scriptures and understand the signs will agree that times are soon to become even more difficult. This Thanksgiving, perhaps more than any other, I must proclaim the goodness of God, and truly give thanks to the Lord – for He really, really is good, in hard times as well as in good times.
I sought the Lord for a word to add to this message, and this is what I heard: I formed the earth, piece-by-piece and bit-by-bit. Do not think for a second that I have turned My back on it, or on you. My love burns for you, no matter where you are or what you are doing; no matter if you love me, reject me, or simply ignore me. My love is unconditional, unbreakable, unoffendable, and unmovable. I love it when you thank Me for the things in your life, good things and hard things, but I do not require that of you. My feelings are not hurt if you totally ignore me. But know this: you are Mine and nothing will ever change that. I made you in My own image, on purpose. I will chase you down the street and through the alley if necessary, until you see the truth of My burning love for you. This Thanksgiving, I will be pleased if you thank Me for the blessings I have poured into your life. However, I do not expect it and I will not love you more for your doing it. Neither will I love you less if you do not. Cultivating a heart of thanksgiving will make your life sweeter and your heart softer, but it will not change My heart, which was already set on you before you were ever conceived. So if you bow your head and thank Me for the wonderful meal set before you (no matter what is being served), know that I heard the message in your heart before you ever spoke the words. And two thousand years ago I said, “You are welcome.”
I Chronicles 16:34
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 105:1-3
Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Exodus 34:6
And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.
Psalm 111:1-4
Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The works of he Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
Psalm 107:22
Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.
Psalm 107:28-31
Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So he guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!