Giving Thanks To Him

Then King David went in and sat before the  Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human!” 2 Samuel 7:18-19 NIV

David has been told, by the prophet Nathan, that God intends to provide him a house that will stand forever.  He is also told that all his offspring, and theirs, will succeed him in this kingdom, and God’s love will never leave him. David is overwhelmed with emotion and disbelief, as we all are at times, when we realize that Gods love for us is unconditional. While we are not worthy, our Lord continues to pour grace and mercy down on us, much like a torrential rain.

David says later:

“How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” 2 Samuel 7:22 NIV

David then acknowledges God’s greatness and sovereignty. It is an important part of our walk with our Lord to acknowledge this, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.

The psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” Psalm 107:1 NIV

It is also written, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

We must remember everything we have in this life comes from God.  We can never thank him enough, or show him enough humility.

Why Solomon wrote: “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor, and life” Proverbs 22:4 NIV 

Being thankful has its rewards, but even if these rewards don’t come, be thankful. For every breath we take, is a gift from God! We must remember it is to our glory and his, for us to serve him joyfully.

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41-42 NIV 

He gives thanks, and does so, for the benefit of all those present. And how does the father respond?  He then raises Lazarus, who had been dead four long days!

So how does this relate to us being thankful?

Jesus later speaks to his disciples saying;

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12 NIV

The Lord is willing to allow us to do many great things, as Jesus states above. Can we ever really be thankful enough? It would seem evident that the Lord will embrace us endlessly as we give thanks.

Remember to embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ – and Love one another.

Barnabas

 

Special thanks for this guest submission by Barnabas.