ALIVE WORD: Be thankful to God!
Ministers Wilbert and Jacky Richardson - Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Ministers Wilbert and Jacqueline Richardson
“…be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4
No matter what you have gone through so far in 2012, the fact that you are still alive is more than enough reason to give God thanks.
Many are murmuring, complaining and fussing as they reflect on the past eleven months. We have all had our share of challenges, tests and trials but God has been good to us in spite of it all and brought us through and brought us to this day.
For many, this year brought some very heavy shocks – deaths of family and friends, job loss, family divisions, negative medical reports, unexpected enemies … For those who are still grieving over the passing of family and friends we pray that God will comfort and strengthen you. God has promised to comfort those who mourn.
As each of us reflect on the months past we know for a fact that it is because of the mercies and the grace of God that we are still alive. The almost accidents, the sudden pains and sickness, the betrayal, the injustice, the sabotage, the deception, the spiritual attacks from the wicked, the stress and pressure coming from every direction, the negative words and ill wishes … But none of the weapons formed against us prospered. Our God is mighty to save and He is a strong tower and our refuge and strength. Bless the name of the Lord who has delivered us all from the hands of our enemies.
As you reflect, be thankful to God, for as bad as things have been or as bad as they may be right now, it could have been a lot worse. God has promised never to leave or forsake His own. You may not realize it but God protected you, spared you and saved you from troubles, dangers and sorrows. People may have been bad to you but always remember that God is good.
Don’t be deceived into blaming God for the negative things that have happened in your life this year. Remember the words of St. John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Don’t become angry with God or bitter against God. Even at times when we do not understand why certain things happen or don’t happen we still have to trust God. We only know and see in part but God sees the whole picture.
The doors that were closed in 2012 that you think in your wisdom should have been opened, God allowed them to close for a reason. Very soon you will see and you will understand why. If you have asked God to take full control of your life, then trust His wisdom and directions and believe that He knows what He is doing.
Let us offer unto God at this time praises from a thankful heart. Remember the times when you were down to your last dime and God sent someone to bless you. Remember when you were about to give up and God used some means to encourage you and someone’s prayers helped to strengthen you. Remember when it seemed like the Egyptians were behind you and the Red Sea was in front of you but God came through miraculously and made a path for you to cross over.
Continue to trust God, continue to praise God, continue to live a holy life, continue to meditate on and believe God’s Word. God rewards the faithful. God keeps His promises. Press on in the Lord! Be thankful to God and bless His holy name!
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