Responding to God's goodness

And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’ ” In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. 
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods? And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O Lord, became their God. And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16–29)

Most of the posts on social media seem to be AI generated, yet a few of them are blessings. Last night a little girls was asked about what she wanted most. She replied, “The kingdom of God” and when the interviewer asked why, she said:

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

This was on a comedy clip but no one laughed. Instead the child received a loud and sincere round of applause.

Weeks ago, I heard someone say that all evils in the world would change if everyone was thankful. From that reaction to this verse from the lips of a child, many folks seem to agree that we need a way to think and live that is beyond what we normally know and do. A child wants what he wants right now. However, this definition can also apply to adults! If only more of us wanted first the kingdom of God.

Jesus, I know it is true. Wanting Your will do be done on earth as it is in heaven is kingdom living and when my focus is on living as Your child, You bless me in surprising ways. May You raise up more children and adults that have that as their main desire.

Making a thankful list…

Today is American Thanksgiving. Interesting that many celebrate it with food, traditionally turkey and pumpkin pie, and lots to eat. While Canadians celebrated this holiday last month, it is a good idea to be thankful every day (without all that food)!

The news is filled with sadness. A fire in Hong Kong with hundreds still missing. Murders. Accidents. Political decisions that harm many. Yet these three chapters in Romans are filled with things for which I am thankful.

I am no longer a condemned sinner. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set me free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in me, as I walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” 

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? It is giving up and saying no to selfish and sinful ‘I-wants’ and doing what God wants. It is setting my mind on the things of God and being filled with His peace, without any hostility toward Him and knowing that if I insist on doing what the old me wants, I cannot please God nor submit to His law. (Romans 8:1–8)

This is not slavery by force but by choice. He has shown me that putting to death all fleshy thoughts and actions, I not only live but live without fear. I can call Him “Abba! Father” and know that I am His child, His heir, even when suffering happens. He helps me in my weakness even when I don’t know what to pray because He intercedes for me according to His will. His prayers are always answered. (Romans 8:12–27)

I don’t know why He has shown mercy to me, but just as He raised up Pharaoh to show His power, He had mercy on me that I might fit into His plans. It makes no sense to resist this merciful God. (Romans 9:15–18)

I want others to be saved, and realize this is God’s desire because I didn’t care about anyone else in that way before Jesus came into my life. I realize many are still ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own through so-called ‘good works’ yet I am certain that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:1–4)

I also know the simplicity of the gospel. My part was to confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised him from the dead. With faith in my heart, I am justified (God considers me just as I had never sinned) and saying it is really important. I know this is true for all Christians. All who believe in Him are saved and He bestows His riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9–13)

PRAY: Lord, I’ve been blessed in many ways, but my stuff and even all great experiences do not last. Eternal life with You is by far at the top of my thankful list. You have blessed me: peace with God and the peace of God. Trials come and I have days filled with angst and challenges, but You never leave me or fail me. Just thinking of You gives me great joy. Thank You!


 

A Thankful Heart changes Life

 

Last week we took some newcomers to an event that they had never experienced in their part of the world. They thanked us with gracious words that deeply touched my heart. It made me desire to know them better and even do even more for them. Is this how God feels when we thank Him? 

The Bible is filled with expressions of thankfulness and its importance. This is likely the source of the quote that I’ve often repeated: “All the problems in the world would be solved if everyone was thankful.”

As my daughter responded, “Instead of greedy” yet there is even more. Thankfulness suggests that someone is being appreciated. We thank servers for bringing our meals, drivers for delivering us safely, friends for inviting us to their home, and a host of other blessings on our lives. Being thankful draws us closer to other people.

What about God? Reading Romans 1:18ff carefully shows that unthankful people are on a slippery slope downward into sin and that “God gives them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity.” Lack of gratitude is serious stuff.

Instead of going that route, thankfulness should also acknowledge the source of all goodness. 

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:16–18)

All that is good comes from the Lord. He loves me and wants me living as His image-bearer. I am certain that God does not grumble and complain like I do. Not only that, when I am thanked, I know that I have done something good and whatever it was, God's Spirit was involved. It is really God who should be thanked, not me. 

He urges a thankful attitude because when I am grateful, I am honoring Him and am communicating to Him appreciation for who He is and what He does. He deserves thanksgiving.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

Jesus thanked His Father, and I am to be like Jesus. He was thankful at meals, thankful for answered prayer, and thankful for the way God worked to draw people to Himself:

He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. (Matthew 15:36)

. . . .  Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me…” (John 11:41)

. . . .  Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children…” (Matthew 11:25)

While I am thrilled to be thanked for doing what God put on our hearts to do, those that thanked us are people who are always thanking God too. This is one of the reasons that we love to spend time with them. Imagine if everyone was like that! It would put an end to antagonism and strife. No more wars, only glad hearts.

PRAY: How can I say thanks for all that You have done for me? Things so undeserved — to prove Your love for me. The words to a song, and my own words from a heart filled with gratitude — rather than complaining, wanting more, never satisfied, bring joy. You are an awesome God. You hear me, provide good things for me and for those who trust You. You open our hearts to know truth and see what is hidden from those who are not grateful. Work in their hearts too. May the people of this messy world become totally genuinely thankful for You and for all that You do. 

 

Thankful for Jesus

A few weeks ago someone said “All the problems of the world would disappear if all people were simply thankful.” When I repeat this, most who listen stop and stare. One person said, “Instead of greedy.”

I see this in my own life. If I am grumpy about something, that quote makes me realize my bad attitude. I didn’t get what I wanted instead of being thankful for what I already have. An even deeper root is that I’m not trusting God as my supply. He knows my needs far better than I do.

Piper writes about integrity and about standing by our word, even if it hurts. This too is related to trusting God to supply all needs. Piper points to an OT story from 2 Chronicles 25:5–9.  It is about a king in Judah threatened by a pagan nation so he formed an army of his own men, then hired fighters from the Northern Kingdom of Israel. God was not happy and used a prophet to tell this leader, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the Lord is not with Israel.… God will bring you down before the enemy”

It is not hard to imagine his reaction. He made a large commitment of cash to Israeli troops. Should he stand by it when he tells them they are not needed? Money down the tube. While being greedy is not the same as being financially wise, this king was likely not too thankful that God stopped him from using hired soldiers.

God’s answer was a challenge to this man’s faith: “The LORD has much more to give to you than this.” As Piper writes, God told the king to trust Him and keep his word. Stand by your commitment knowing that God would take care of him. Integrity is always rewarded.

When I promise something, I’m to follow through and like God, keep my promises, even if it costs me dearly. My prayer should never be, “Oh dear, I’ve blown it and now I will suffer if I don’t back out.” Instead, it should be: “Lord, I goofed. However, I will do whatever I promised and trust You to cover my losses.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37:5)

This is about living by faith, particularly when getting in hot water because I made decisions that were not made in faith. It happens. I married an unsaved man. That was 54 years ago and we are still married and he is a strong man of faith. My life is filled with more examples of rashly deciding to do something without seeking God's will, and suffered for it, but God used all of it for good.

On the other hand, without faith it becomes easy to break promises. If a rash decision involves loss of money, or reputation, or anything else, that old sinful nature will strive to protect itself instead of trusting God to repair the damages or use them for good.

Thankfulness is a great antidote for all of it. When I think of all God has done, it is much easier to focus on holiness, faithfulness, fulfilling my own commitments, and trusting Him to be there for me, regardless of my goof-ups. Again, He tells me to commit my way to the Him in faith, and He will act to work things for His glory and my good. “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity” (Proverbs 2:7)

PRAY: Jesus, I speak of You as the solid rock on which I stand. You are that and more for which I am so thankful. You take care of me, even when I forget You. You never let me down, even when I seek my own will instead of Your will. You are amazing and You are not only my Rock, but also my anchor and my eternal Hope. Thank You.


 

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.

Give thanks in everything

 

It is easy enough to give thanks for whatever gives me joy. I could fill this page with examples and have answered prayer near the top of the list. But what about those things that are frustrating — like a computer problem, or no sign of spiritual growth in those I’m praying for, or a hot day filled with smoke from a wildfire? And even as I write this, I’m thinking that today might be another test. Last week God tested me about grumbling over the little things. Will this week be a test of giving thanks in everything?

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:12–22)

This passage about being thankful is a package. The command from God is given more description by the words around it. That is, be thankful and esteem those over me in the Lord and who admonish me. Yesterday’s sermon was admonishment. I didn’t like some of it. I’m more motivated by the wonder of God than a call to do this or that as part of my response. Here, Jesus is telling me to be thankful — even though I have been thinking otherwise.

Instead of having a negative attitude toward that sermon, I’m supposed to warn the unruly. Mmmm. Do I even know any who are unruly? I ought to look in the mirror for the answer to that!

I’m also to comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, and be patient with all. This certainly suggests to be thankful that God entrusts me to do that, even though it often comes across as a rebuke, more like “if you are so strong, then take care of those who are not, with patience and with thanksgiving that you are in that place.” This makes me think that when I suppose I am stronger than others, such vanity actually puts me in a lower place. Thanksgiving is designed to level the field, not draw me into a spirit of judging others. If God shows me anyone who is genuinely struggling, then I’m to humbly care for them, not think I am better than they are. Rebuke.

The next line about not being evil is strong, yet evil can be subtle, like boasting or responding to someone sharing a problem with, “I’ve never had that problem” making them feel even more alone. Evil is not always an unjust and wicked act. People can make me feel useless and unloved with a thoughtless remark indicating I can do the same to them. Being thankful cures that subtle way of harming another person.

What is good for everyone if not hearing a thankful heart expressing the goodness of God? The joy of the Lord comes out, not joy that circumstances are the best ever, but joy that Jesus is the best ever. It puts my focus on Him and His goodness, and in being thankful for Him, the focus of others is shifted too.

The Holy Spirit tells me what I should say — I just need to listen and say it. All prophecies are expressed as a done deal. How thankful I should be that God will do what He says, and how evil it is to think that His will is going to be anything but good. Again, the right attitude is a blessing, to God, to me, and to anyone who hears me being thankful.

PRAY: Jesus, You give many reasons that I should give thanks, and even on those days when all seems contrary, I can be thankful that You are in this mess with me and giving me joy anyway. I’m so thankful that You do what You do — and with a great deal of patience to teach me to just be thankful in everything as this is certainly Your will for me.

Not thankful? A slippery slope

Devotional readings this week focus on God’s ability to use all things for my good because all things are His servants. This is not just about His sovereignty but about His ability to know what is needed to transform my life. Sometimes it is a jolting event. Sometimes it is the unkindness of others or a scheme of Satan. Sometimes it is the shock of seeing my own sinfulness. Yet He says…

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–22)

No matter what is going on, the Holy Spirit makes it possible to rejoice. The Word of God says I can rejoice in trials (James 1:2-4) for they produce steadfastness maturity, a good thing. It also says that weakness is an opportunity for the grace of God to make His power perfect. Such is the mystery of godliness. The only things that can ruin this amazing working of God is quenching the Spirit by refusing His joy, lack of prayer, and being unthankful. In fact, lack of thankfulness is a slippery slope that leads to darkness and sin.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:18–21)

Another thought from today’s reading is about God using other people to test my faith by their actions. The reading says, “I may not be able to give thanks for an unkind friend, but I can give thanks for the patience and meekness brought to me through the instrumentality of this friend’s unkindness.”

I can also give thanks if my reaction is impatience and annoyance, even anger — because God is showing me the stuff I need to confess, sin in my heart that He will cleanse as I bring it to Him. (1 John 1:9) This changes my attitude about contrary people. As instruments that serve God, I must give them the right receptivity, and if not, be thankful that God is using them to refine me. I want to obey this:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

When the events of life or the actions of people are uncomfortable or even evil, learning that God is still in charge is helpful toward understanding that this too can be used by God for my good:

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is… (Ephesians 5:13–21)

That passage goes on to add a variety of things that are the will of the Lord. One is to be filled with the Spirit. Then it ends with “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Complaining and wanting trials to go away is far easier than being thankful or looking for God’s hand in the trials, but because Jesus is my Savior and because He loves me, thankfulness for all things is wisdom.

PRAY: Lord, I look back at the worst trials and sorrows in life and see now how You have used them to keep my focus on You — and to help me see that having my eyes on You is important to being transformed into Your likeness — and being transformed is the will of God for me. How foolish I would be to drop thankfulness and refuse to accept that You use all things for my good.

God is the source of every good gift

 

God has given us everything good to enjoy; sunshine and showers to bring flowers and gardens and crops, soil rich in natural fertilizers, animals and plants for food and clothing, sources of energy, including rain to make things grow, minerals to make the soil fertile, and sources of energy for industry and mobility, skill to invent and create, relationships to cherish, wisdom for life — everything is from Him. We ought to be thankful for it all.

I know a handful of people that seldom, if ever, say thank you. They are never content, nothing satisfies them. It’s obvious that those who will not thank others for anything will never thank God either. Their lack of gratitude is scary and a slippery slope:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools . . . . (Romans 1:18–22)

Parents usually need to teach gratitude to their children. Immaturity is ‘I want what I want when I want it’ and entirely self-centered. Many a child grows up expecting and even demanding that all their needs and wants are met, not thinking of what it costs the sources to supply those things.

Translate that to the gospel. I, a sinner deserves nothing from the holy God who created me. He could have turned His back but instead He sent His Son to die for my sin. That is the cost. Ignoring it or saying I don’t need Jesus is unthinkable, yet that happens and those who turn their backs on God’s offer put themselves on a slippery slope simply by refusing His good gifts and not being thankful.

He reminds me often that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17) Yes, there are times when God varies in how He deals with me, and times when His face seems in a shadow and I do not understand what He is doing or what He wants, yet this is not because God has changed. He is always trustworthy and the “same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) In other words, I cannot always figure Him out yet He is consistent in His being and His character. That is a huge reason to be thankful.

Besides that, “Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:4–5) This means that whatever God brings into my life, I can say thanks and pray, setting it apart as from Him using His Word to guide me. Some things, like temptation and evil thoughts, are not from Him. Sickness, plans, and attitudes can be measured in prayer also. If they are from God, He will reveal it; otherwise, He will remove it.

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)

Good things are there for the asking. Not that I’m to ask selfishly and for my indulgence. Fame, fortune, popularity, and a host of other things may seem good, but God is not my cosmic ‘good fairy’ who waves a magic wand and makes me healthy, wealthy and powerful. His definition of good is not like that of the world.

Jesus, You tell me to “give thanks in all circumstances” for this is Your will for me. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) This is not about the circumstances but about gratitude, about turning my focus from every situation, good or not so good, to the One who is in charge of my life. It is about realizing that You have reasons for those circumstances. You even tell me to rejoice in trials for You use them to build patience and faith in my life, part of the “all things” that You use to transform me. Instead of resisting unwanted circumstances, being thankful makes me open to the transformation and other good things that You have in mind. For all this, I am thankful!

CONSIDER: I used to write every night in a ‘thankful journal’ but stopped that habit. It would be wise to get back into that way of daily reminding myself of the goodness of God.