How many of us fail to see the splendor and blessing of the Lord in this phenomenal area in which we live? How many of us are truly thankful to the Lord for the freedoms we enjoy, and yet, one just has to go to the nearest corner store to hear the latest complaint or gossip of the day…it is too cold…too wet…too hot…not enough of this, too much of that…
One of the most fearful Scriptures I have ever read comes from the Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 28: 47 – 48b: it says, “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness (of mind, and gladness) of heart (in gratitude) for the abundance of all (with which He has blessed you), therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and in the want of all things…” Kind of makes us think that God is serious about His own being a grateful and a thankful people.
Some will say, well, that is from the past. If I am not able to be thankful in a time when I only have those around me to contend with, how will I do in Spiritual warfare should things ever get really out of hand? And If I cannot be thankful in a time of peace and abundance, how on earth will I ever manage should circumstances ever drastically change?
Philippians 4: 6 + 7 + 8c: says, “Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and (supplication) petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to God. And God’s peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ; and so fearing nothing from God, and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. …anything worthy of praise, think and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them).”
