27 January 2021

LEARNING TO BE THANKFUL (2)

By John Ollis

Two days ago I wrote a blog entitled LEARNING TO BE THANKFUL, as I have felt convicted by the Holy Spirit because of my complaining about the “aging process”. I was reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Thess. 5:18 NKJV In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I affirmed God’s Sovereignty in my life in the blog and highlighted the need to learn to be THANKFUL, as God is in control and that as Rom. 8:28 NKJV confirms And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

As I pondered on this important truth, I felt the Holy Spirit remind me of the very first word in 1 Thess. 5:18. IN, Paul is not saying give thanks for everything but IN the midst of every situation whatever that may be, WE ARE TO BE THANKFUL. We may find it impossible to give thanks for pain and hurt and disappointment and persecution, but OUR GOD IS ALWAYS WORTHY TO BE THANKED.

I am sure Paul is suggesting, remember the pit from whence you were dug, and the miry clay that continued to hinder you, remember the burden of sin, remember the day THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST CLEANSED YOUR HEART FROM ALL SIN, meditate on the fact you know you have the GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE, ponder on the GLORIOUS INHERITANCE WE HAVE NOW IN CHRIST, and the list goes on and on and on, and very quickly a song of THANKSGIVING will begin to bubble up in your heart and you will be as David said in Psalm 100:4 MESSAGE

Enter with the password: “THANK YOU
Make yourselves at home, talking PRAISE.
Thank him. WORSHIP him.

See the progression, THANKSGIVING, then PRAISE then WORSHIP.

So let us take our eyes off the negative situation, and lift us focus our eyes towards our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus, and we will quickly learn IN EVERYTHING to give thanks.