Grace, Grumblings and Gratitude
Psalm 107:1, 8-15
No matter where, how, or if you celebrated Thanksgiving last week, I hope that you (and the rest of us) will each take a personal part out of your day to give thanks (in thought, word and/or deed) to God, to each other and anyone else you can think of who needs to know they are valued. Yes, including yourself!
And in every celebration and gathering from here on out, whether it’s when we’re blessing a feast (from simple cereal to a stout steak dinner), or sitting in the backyard on the porch telling stories and laughing with our families and friends, may we let our souls connect with God’s and be grateful for our lives.
For those who recall the pandemic panic of 2020, such gatherings and celebrations were silenced, and for many…gratitude fell along the wayside. Thankfully, all was not lost and gratitude was reinstated and reinforced despite the chaos of COVID-19. I also believe that if we prevail over pandemics, but lose each other in the process, what’s the point?
That’s why ever since then I believe even more strongly in the power and return investment of gratitude. Even that it may be the most valuable vaccine available to mankind in these times of uncertainty and the darkness of isolation and loneliness that still exist, even in the healthiest of hearts and homes.
I know that some days it may be difficult to find things to be grateful for, but they are there. We must let grace and gratitude light and lead the way through.
As (Timothy 2:1-4) shares and declares, we need to pray for others, including our leaders (our local governments and the President—don’t let who it is trump your duty to pray for our leaders) and be thankful for the sacrifices of others.
And when it’s more difficult to be grateful, (James 1:2-4) encourages us to keep pressing forward in faith, knowing that when our faith is tested, we can become even stronger to withstand evil.
Speaking of withstanding evil, have you ever seen pictures of trees that have been uprooted and blown over after a violent storm?
Do you know why some trees cannot survive such windstorms? It’s not the power of the winds, but the weakness of the roots.
Or rather, it’s the shallowness and separation of the roots. When the roots are not deep enough, or when they are separated too far from the intertwining strength of the roots of other trees, it’s difficult for that tree to withstand such fierce forces. We can think of ourselves as such mighty trees. And we live in a world of many storms; political, financial, spiritual, moral and healthful (2 Timothy 3:1-7).
Nevertheless, when our roots are nourished and fortified God’s grace and His tender mercies, and when we root for each other’s roots, then we can better withstand the winds, warfare and wickedness that is constantly trying to uproot us, our relationships, marriages and families—our greatest roots to be grateful for!
I also believe that we offend God when we don’t confess His hand (and heart) in all things through gratitude. Because He is our Heavenly Father who wants to bless us, not just a God who has to bless us. He blesses us because He loves us. This is why we can rejoice, pray always and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:9-28). This is also why no matter our trials, we must express more love and gratitude than evils and grumblings (Numbers 14:27).
And though we may not know the reason(s) for our season(s) of grief, God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Acts 5:41) and will support and supplement us until we are stronger in our roots, righteousness and rejoicings.
And even though Thanksgiving has passed us by for another year, I am still thankful for each of you (2 Timothy 1:3) who have supported me and my thoughts shared from your porches as I have visited with God on His porch (1 Colossians 1:3). May we each spend more time there in prayer. There’s plenty of room. I’m certain He’d love for you to visit.