Thankful. . . .

A quote this week has had a remarkable effect, not just on me but on those who hear it. The quote: “Every thing that is wrong in the world would be settled if everyone was thankful.” I shared this with friends whose stunned reaction was silence, some with mouths open at the implication of what thankfulness does to all our vices. Another said, “Yes, instead of greedy.”

For me, I’m thankful for salvation and all that God has done in my life. I realize that if the bad stuff didn’t happen I would never know how He could use it for good. I’m thankful for my mother’s mantra: “We must need it or we would not be getting it” — her expression of trusting God for even the trials of life. I’m thankful for the Word of God and that He reveals Himself. This covers much, as the Bible says:

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. (Acts 17:24–25)

Sometimes I’m impatient with those who moan because they do not have what they ask God for, as if they know what is best and the best timing for it. As Piper writes, God’s timing is “well-timed” and we can depend on Him for all things.

This includes the weather, the government, and even the wisdom and understanding I need while living in this very messy world. His truth keeps my heart stable when I think how. . . .  
He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; (Daniel 2:21)

This faith in Him is the product of my doing? Not at all. I can moan too. It is His grace and goodness, a wonder that is amazing yet so humbling. I do not deserve even the least of His blessings, yet He keeps blessing and gives the invitation to come close to Him in confidence to receive more — including His perfect timing.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

This does not negated problems, trials, emergencies, difficulties, and sorrows. Heaven will, but here these happen. How else would I know that God can use even the worst of experiences for good? His sinless Son was murdered. He could have stopped it. Instead He used it for the best thing that ever happened. How can I know that His power is like that? For that incredible event, but also for the evil things since then, and for the unpleasant and unwanted things that happen to me? He is not helpless nor standing idle. He is God.

PRAY: Oh Lord, so often Your people forget or doubt Your amazing power and wisdom. You can take bad and use it for good. This includes everything. I cannot see what Your plans are, nor know how You do it, but because of what You reveal about Yourself, I can trust You. In doing so, my heart is filled with the joy of being contented and thankful. Such grace, such wonderful grace.