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November 28, 2005
A Voice of Thanksgiving
by Susan Brinley
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
(I Thessalonians 5:16-18).
A voice of thanksgiving. Oh, that sounds so nice! ItÕs a lofty and spiritual-sounding virtue. But as I look at my own heart, I wonder. Is it always true?
This past year has brought a variety of events across each of our paths. Humanly speaking, I could divide mine up into two specific categories: ÒThings IÕm Really Thankful ForÓ and ÒThings I Really Wish HadnÕt Happened.Ó That sort of spells out our human nature and heart condition categorizing life into circumstances and events that we naturally personally appreciate and those we donÕt.
Just as there should be no difference between the secular and the sacred in the life of a believer, there should likewise be unity of heart in our thanksgiving. So, I am struck by the need to unify both my ÒlistsÓ under a new title, simply stating ÒThings I Am Thankful For.Ó It is the unwanted events, the inconveniences and difficulties of life that add so greatly to our spiritual growth. The ÒinconveniencesÓ are the very tools that prod our growth, endurance, strength, compassion and humility as we depend on GodÕs grace for these needs.
If, then, we were to eliminate these not-so-welcome events and circumstances, we would miss the firsthand experience of greater and deeper grace and provision. A sincere attitude of thankfulness for all things will propel our hearts ultimately closer to the heart of God as we defer to His sovereignty in all our circumstances. Easy? Not at all! But worth it as we see Him and His glory more clearly. LetÕs thank Him for every experience that He brings into our lives.
That I may make known with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works (Psalm 26:7).
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