Thursday, April 10, 2014
Thankful Heart
It seems easy to thank God when things go our way. We should do this for we believers know that God is on our side. For me, I can struggle when things do not go my way, or the way I think they should go. Let me share an example.
Last night I had to take a trip that was more than two hours one way to my destination. The purpose of the journey was to meet with someone face to face to discuss business, and they set up the meeting. I arrived early, they arrived late. It was a somewhat social gathering so others spent time talking with me, and the people I was to meet showed up and were told I was there. I continued to speak with the person I had met, talking with him about how his daughter was born premature. After a couple hours I looked up and the people I was there to meet had left with out so much as a hello. I eventually left and was upset, calling my business partner and telling him what had occurred. I was upset about being treated badly all the way home. This morning God began to speak to me about a thankful heart. It seems David got this right.
Psalms 138:1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
David had a thankful heart toward God, singing praise to God in front of the opposing forces. We likely all agree this is a good thing. But why would he choose to do this? I believe David had learned the basic truth that praising God and singing praises to God in the face of adversity was his weapon for victory. It showed He trusted God more than what he saw in front of him, more than what he experienced. He knew that God was working in it all, and through praise he could obtain the actual victory.
I want to be like that, don’t you? The next time I feel offended or in some way cast down, I will praise God with a thankful heart and watch the victory come!
Prayer
Father, we thank You and exalt You as the Most High. Thank You for Your blessings in our life. Thank You for showing up in all circumstances to deliver us. Thank You for giving us healing. Thank You for providing for us. Please forgive us when we surrender our hearts to bitter thoughts. Please send all these blessings today that all men might see that You alone are God. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.