“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:1-5 NIV)
In many a home today there may be reason — good reasons — for depression and sorrow and heartache. Some families are suffering with tragedies. Others are wondering what they will do now that both parents are out of work. Still others are dealing with a shocking diagnosis from a doctor.
How does one shout for joy in such circumstances? How does one shout thanksgiving praises in such circumstances? The normal bromides we hear just won’t cut it in these instances of human reality. Lets see if we can find some viable reasons to be grateful, even in these circumstances.
First, we may remember that Jesus said, “fear not, because you are more valuable than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). Fear is a faith killer. Fear is a thanksgiving killer. So, refuse to let fear destroy your grateful attitude and spirit during these trying times.
In Luke 8:41-56, Luke relates how Jairus, “a ruler of the synagogue” came to Jesus requesting him to come and heal his daughter who is ill. Then while Jesus is coming the situation get worse, the child dies. Despite the urgency of this need, Jesus is interrupted and ministers to others on the way. And the death notice is received before they arrive at the Jairus home. But note the words of Jesus to Jairus: (v.50) “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
Consider those precious words. Do not fear. Only believe. Everything will be made right. Don’t you know that Jairus must have had difficulty acting in faith at that moment. In the midst of his grief, he may have thought that Jesus had lost his mind. Do not fear. Only believe. Your request will be answered.
Now God’s promise is something to be glad about. God’s promise is something to sing songs about. Remember that it is God who had made us. Remember that we are his people. Remember he is our shepherd. And because we are his sheep, we can speak to him with thanksgiving and praise in the midst of all circumstances.
The Lord is good all the time and his love endures despite our circumstances. Trusting him, even in the bad times, we can faithfully shout our thanksgiving praises to him. “His faithfulness continues” . . . even in these present circumstances.
Dear Father, thank you for your faithfulness despite our circumstances and difficulties. Empower us with faith and song for thanksgiving praise. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today giving thanks to God,