Still Thankful 11/27/2012

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary." Ps 107:1-2

For the Christian, giving thanks to God neither begins, culminates or ends on a man inspired day to do so.  Giving thanks is a way of life.  It is a daily, even hourly habit that supersedes that of even brushing of teeth and washing of face.

There are a plethora of reasons to stop and give thanks throughout the day.  None who give the smallest effort should have difficulty identifying reason after reason for doing so.  The psalmist provides many reasons (which come from his close, warm, personal relationship with God).  In particular, he lists the redemption, even salvation, from those who are arrayed against us.  This could be anyone from a bad boss to Satan himself.  Where as we were under the burden of slavery to our situation, habits, circumstances or enemies, God laid out a clear path inviting us to peace and prosperity.  Jesus said, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest" Matt 11:28.  We did and he has.

Beloved, we as Christians should be the first in line to proclaim thanks to God and to tell His story to others.  There are many who continued to be lost.  There are many that continue to struggle daily with their various adversaries.  And their yet remains One who can deliver them even as He has delivered us.  Let us continue to give thanks day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute.  One day we will all be able to stand united around the throne of grace and proclaim as the psalmist has:

"I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones" Ps 52:9.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee