Recollection is Essential

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength.” (Habakkuk 3:18–19a)

The prophet Habakkuk said no matter what happened in life, he would rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in the God of his salvation, who was his strength. Words such as these are easier said than done. Only with a determination to serve and please our Creator, relying on His power, can we achieve such devotion to our Maker and great Most High God.

Though the Thanksgiving holiday ends, our giving of thanks does not—it should not. We have much for which to be grateful, and recollection is essential year-round. Can we, like the prophet Jeremiah, have hope in what we recall about the Lord? Can we, too, rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in the God of our salvation, no matter our circumstances? We are here today by grace—His unfailing compassion and mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:21–24).

Praise the Lord for His faithfulness. As our focus shifts to the birth of Christ, let’s continue expressing gratitude to our Father. His compassion, mercy, and love are great and endless.

Outside of Your Element?

“And the Philistine said unto David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine . . .: This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand.” (1 Samuel 17:44, 45a, 46a)

Self-assured, mighty warrior, nine-foot-tall Goliath confidently performed inside his element while the young shepherd-boy stood confidently though totally outside his. David was the victor in the confrontation because his confidence was in God, not his ability.

Being confident in what we do, it’s easy to settle comfortably “inside our element”—to become lax, even lazy. We’re not lazy in what we do but negligent in relying on God. And our Father will have none of that with His children. God wants you to succeed in what He has prepared for you to achieve but may cripple you in an area where you are over-confident, not admitting, and giving credit to the Source of your success. His activity in your life may expose an over-confidence area, which may trigger embarrassment, denial, or even defiance. But God’s intent is a turning of your heart and mind to Him (repentance). When He puts you in an uncomfortable and unfamiliar place, outside of your element, He does so that you learn to rely on Him and trust His Word. When you do, success is yours. Thank God today for the blessings of His presence, grace, and care.

Peace-Killer

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

God is not like a vending machine: deposit the money, select your choice, and walk away with what you want. When it doesn’t release your choice, you feel robbed. Sometimes we treat our heavenly Father as such, although not intentionally.

As you cry out to God for a particular need or something you want, it’s natural to expect to walk away with something—anything. You have obediently followed the Lord to the best of your ability, and you remembered to say, “Thank You” for His abundant blessings. But sometimes, God stays silent, and it may seem He didn’t provide. While God works out His purposes in your life, mine, and people involved in our circumstances, if we allow Him, He does deliver every time—with His peace. But a worrisome spirit is a peace-killer.

Paul writes here and in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that everything we speak and do should honor God our Father with a thankful heart. A lack of gratitude and worry over unknown or unfair matters serve only as setbacks for God’s activity in your life. But recalling His goodness, mercy, and salvation through Jesus causes one’s heart to overflowing with a devotion that sets in motion the honor due to our Maker. Today, thank God for all He has done and is currently doing; when you do, His peace is yours (Philippians 4:6, 7). 

Thanks-Mas

“Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks: for that thy name is near and thy wondrous works declare.” (Psalm 75:1)                

God puts me to the test over and over with what I share with readers. “In all things, give thanks.” “God works all things together for good.” “Trust in the Lord.” “Wait on His timing.” I don’t flippantly spout words with random Scriptures; as I write, God “preaches” the message to me first. So I am thankful for the stories He inspires because He intends them and the accompanying Bible verses for my benefit.

One year our family celebrated “Thanks-Mas,” labeled so because our family wouldn’t be together for Christmas or New Year’s Day, so we met and exchanged gifts at Thanksgiving. The guys’ gifts were on sale months before the season, so we purchased them early and safely stored them. Three days before our gathering, I wrapped the girls’ presents, but when it was time for the guy-gifts, the box wasn’t where we thought it was. We searched the house and outside buildings several times, even looking in places where a box that size couldn’t fit. The disappearance was baffling. As family members arrived on the big day, we offered a reward for finding the mystery box. Although the children were super diligent in searching, no better success. We exchanged the gifts on hand while the guys had to wait for replacement gifts.

Some situations we experience make no sense. Though the mysterious gifts’ disappearance is trivial compared to other matters that could shake us to the core, it was significant. We either allow life’s disturbances to throw us off-balance or deal with them by turning to and giving them to the Lord. He alone knows life’s “where's,” “how's,” and “whys”—we can trust Him to use them according to His purposes. The box of gifts never resurfaced, but that didn’t alter my gratitude for God’s goodness, presence, provisions, and Jesus, who was, is, and is to come.  

Attitude of Gratitude

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34)

How can we keep an attitude of gratitude with God? First, He is faithful, just, compassionate, and nothing happens without God’s permission, no matter the person, governing power, or Satan himself, which may cause you to wonder about God’s allowances. Though it’s humanly impossible to understand God’s higher thoughts and ways, believe His Word. He is always at work for His children, those who love and obey Him. Recall His blessings. Thanksgiving honors God; it’s our duty: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Second, because we sometimes tend to be self-sufficient, God allows difficulties to come our way to garner our attention. Other times, we are the culprits causing the problems, or the world hurls its evils. Regardless of trouble’s origin, God knows about it and has rule over it. If you yield to His authority when He allows hardships, your faith has an opportunity to increase. You will discover that perseverance through trials produces a trustworthy character with a confident hope in God’s love (Romans 5:3–4). During and after the ordeal, you can gratefully thank the Lord for carrying you through. We have a good and faithful Father—He is Almighty God; honor Him with due gratitude.

Is it Possible?

 “In everything give thanks. . .” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Express gratitude in all circumstances. But you may be thinking, Do I thank God that I lost my job? No. You thank Him that He knows and will provide for your needs. The second half of verse eighteen says why to give thanks in everything: “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Gratitude is what God expects, wants from us. Yielding to His rule is vital to your spiritual health and growth.

Gratitude can temporarily shut down during crises or heart-rending situations. Sometimes we face challenges, believing God is our only hope. But other times when we don’t, God allows us to reach a place where the only way left to look is up, and we must cry out to our Father in total surrender. Be honest with God. Tell Him everything that weighs heavy on your spirit. Acknowledge and thank Him for His greatness and promises. Ask your Father to remind you of His goodness towards you, and as He reminds you of one blessing after another, thank Him. He longs to hear from you and wants your trust. He holds everything in His capable hands.

Rest in the Father’s care and peace as you entrust yourself to Him. He alone knows the beginning, in-between, and end of your life with the challenges ahead, the mistakes you will make, and the consequences that will follow. He knows your limitations. No matter what this fallen world throws your way or how seriously you fail, when Jesus is Lord of your life, you can give thanks in everything.

Strive to Thrive

“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6)

The once-flourishing, flowering plants were dry, lifeless twigs. Pruning, fertilizer, water, and sunshine made it possible for them to thrive again. But although the environment was ideal, the plants had to do their part—reach out with roots to take in the nourishment.

We have so much to be thankful for, even amid these troubling days. Besides provisions for what we need to survive, God provides everything we need to flourish: love, forgiveness, salvation, and fellowship through the blood of Jesus, the privilege to stand in His presence, His Word, and fellow believers, to name a few of His blessings. But just as flowers must do their part to flourish, so do believers; we must want growth, reach out, and take in what God supplies.

Although plants and trees don’t have breath, they are part of God’s living creation. Whether facing a sunny or a cloudy day, their petals and leaves seem to lift high praises, applauding their Creator. Should we not do the same? If you have breath, praise the Lord. You, child of God, have much to be grateful for; thank Him for His provisions and blessings. Strive to thrive with all He has provided and bloom for His glory. Proclaim His greatness. Praise the Lord.