In the pressing of these times, we feel the tensions and the struggles. Many of you will be experiencing these like the high waves of a stormy night out at high sea. Some of us today are even struggling with the apparent ‘contradictions’ that exist in our own, limited understandings of our God: we say to God, ‘Father, I know that you are good, but am I really going to survive this?’ Our salvation is never in doubt, but our faith is stretched indeed.
Today, Father God speaks to those who feel the pain and the struggle of these faith-stretching times. He says to you, ‘I am good; my love for you endures forever. My love for you is unfailing and daily – even amidst the pressing – you see and experience the wonderful things that I do for you’. Opening your eyes to the good things of God that are around you does not mean living in denial of the pressures and the testing. Give thanks for what He is doing, even for the little things. Thanksgiving will be the lifebelt that keeps you afloat in these stormy seas. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those He redeemed from the hand of the foe. Give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
So, today, tomorrow – every day – keep thanking your Heavenly Father for every little thing that comes your way. Give testimony – tell others your stories of thanksgiving (and speak it out loud in your home) – of the things you have to celebrate in your life. Keep a list, keep referring to it. Watch what your God does for His redeemed ones!
Psalm 107:1-9 (NLT)
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. For He has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south.
Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and He rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live.
Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.