Christian View of 2022 - #34
Is there room in 2022 for gratitude? There’s been so much hardship, heartbreak and health issues. War and worries abound.
Thanksgiving? Yes, now more than ever.
Paul pens a peculiar text in 1 Thessalonians 5 that seems, on the surface, to stretch our rational thinking …
In the Bible little words can make a big difference.
Note: “in” NOT “for” all circumstances.
Sometimes, hidden and obscured in the circumstances - it is there to discover - like a diamond in a field of coal - a reason to be thankful.
Unseen by the human eye, undetected by the mindset of us mere mortals - like a new found star in the night - there it is a reason to be thankful.
Thankful because no matter what the circumstance:
We belong to Him.
Even when things seem wrong- we belong
Even when we can’t sing a song - we belong
Even when the night seems long - we belong
Thankful because in all things He is working for our good and for His glory.
Romans 8:28 is not than a worn-out, overworked Christian cliche
- it is God’s commitment to us
- it is God’s care over us
- It is God’s comfort within us
It summarizes Joseph’s journey in Genesis 50:20 KJV
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
God’s goodness is defined as following him all the days of David’s life - Psalm 23
It marks my life and yours … and crescendos in a universal song of celebration
No 2022 has not robbed us from a goldmine of gratitude. It cannot silence the song in the soul…
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”
Randy B. Leavitt
Pastor