November 2009 |
| Dear Friends: Earlier this week, I was at my daughter's house when little Johanna (now 2 ½) wanted to go for a walk. So, we got out the stroller and headed out for story time at the local library. She found a space on the floor, heard the stories, participated in wiggle time songs, and made a chameleon craft using multi colored tissue paper. Then, after a successful visit to the potty, I put on her little pink jacket so we could head home. As she cheerfully took her chameleon in hand and ran with bouncing blond curls toward her stroller, I heard her saying to no one in particular, “This is a great day!” Some of you have had a bad year. Many have lost jobs in the past few months. Some of you have had to give up your homes. I know of others who have faced, or who have family members facing, difficult health issues. And of some, sadly, who are dealing with marital problems and even divorce. It has been a rough year! But, it's November – the month when we remind ourselves to be thankful. Can we do it this year? Can be we sincerely thankful in a time of trial and crisis? This may be the year that causes us to think more deeply about being thankful for what matters even after the house is threatened, the husband or wife has moved out, the bank account is empty, and the kids are gone. Let's think about that for a moment or two together. First, I am thankful to know that God is not short on resources . The Bible tells us that everything under heaven belongs to him (Job 41:11). Economic recessions don't cause a moment's worry for God. Predicted overpopulation and resultant food shortages don't make him sweat even a little. If all that is on the earth belongs to God, then it is his to distribute as he wishes. He can reverse famines. He can supernaturally supply food, shelter and other needs for his children. Remember that he sent ravens to deliver food to Elijah when he was hungry in the wilderness. He sent manna for the people of Israel when they were wandering in the desert. Jesus multiplied bread and fish to feed 5,000 plus people who had listened all day to his teaching. Our problems are important to Him, but they are miniscule in comparison to the storehouse of provision He has. There are no limitations to what God can provide if he so chooses. But he wants us to ask. When we ask, we are acknowledging him as the source of everything of value to us and we learn to depend on him as a child depends on his mother – receiving both her gifts and her love. Second, God has made provision for us to have a love relationship with him both now and throughout eternity . That provision is of far greater significance than the material things or answers to prayers that he provides for us day-by-day. Remember when Jesus sent out the disciples two-by-two to work miracles and spread the news that the Messiah had come? When they returned from that excursion, they excitedly reported back to Jesus how they were able to heal the sick and cast out demons. That was a real high for these common fishermen! But Jesus brought everything into perspective when he said, “ . . . do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20). He was telling that to keep an eternal perspective. The things happening around them here on earth were exciting, to be sure, but if they really wanted to know what was important, they needed to look ahead to the fact that they would live forever in heaven with God. Today, Jesus might say to us, “Do not rejoice that you have two cars in your garage, you were promoted at work, or your child got well, but rejoice that your name is written in heaven.” God has seen the deepest needs of our hearts and has made the ultimate provision to fulfill those needs. So, no matter how well or how poorly things are going for us, our future is secure. Eternity in heaven is guaranteed. As a wise Christian once said, “Those who have God find they lack nothing. God alone suffices.” God provides not only for the here and now, but also for the there and then. And knowing that helps us to keep perspective. Third, I think God intends thankfulness to be a spiritual discipline for us.
If we are willing to give thanks even in our pain, God will honor our obedience and will change us. Our hearts will become softer, more calm. He will pour out blessing on those who are obedient in their praise, who trust Him even when it's dark, and who rest in His loving care. Sometimes the best teacher of that concept is a 2 ½ year old simply enjoying the moment – listening to someone else's stories, joining in the dances, learning new skills, and expressing creativity. When we do that, we, too, can say in every circumstance, “This is a great day!” Or, more theologically, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) Trust God, rest in Him, and have a blessed Thanksgiving! |
