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Today's Scripture Reading
- Thread starter Psalm23
- Start date
Re: Failure Lah
LOL! I think must show photo of us standing side by side then can satisfy him. What if we are lookalike twins? LOL!
LOL! I think must show photo of us standing side by side then can satisfy him. What if we are lookalike twins? LOL!
Re: Failure Lah
Father Frodo!!!!
Yes can you please show us a photo of you and Rev Psalm?
Father Frodo!!!!
Yes can you please show us a photo of you and Rev Psalm?
Re: Failure Lah
How about some honesty Father Frodo?
Thats Mr Chow and Mr Liu in that photo and not you and Rev Psalm....
Sure!
How about some honesty Father Frodo?
Thats Mr Chow and Mr Liu in that photo and not you and Rev Psalm....
Re: Failure Lah
Lighten up boy!
Already told you that I am no Rev. Also have never met Psalm23 before so no pickature to show you lah..God of Gamblers pic was just for gags, where is your sense of humour????.
Lighten up boy!
Already told you that I am no Rev. Also have never met Psalm23 before so no pickature to show you lah..God of Gamblers pic was just for gags, where is your sense of humour????.
Re: Failure Lah
Father Frodo...this is a tough week...everyone is in sombre...mourning the lost of the Great Emperor...
there is no time for lame jokes or laughs...
Please provide us with a photo of you and Rev Psalm
Lighten up boy!
Already told you that I am no Rev. Also have never met Psalm23 before so no pickature to show you lah..God of Gamblers pic was just for gags, where is your sense of humour????.
Father Frodo...this is a tough week...everyone is in sombre...mourning the lost of the Great Emperor...
there is no time for lame jokes or laughs...
Please provide us with a photo of you and Rev Psalm
Last week, we have witnessed sometime that was totally very unexpected to many people...long queue stretching to few km just to pay respect to a former political leader. Emotions (positive one though) ran high with people sobbing and many were found carrying flowers, condolence cards, etc. That was a scene that could well depict a 'national crisis'. In some sense, we are in a crisis: a national crisis identity. We don't seem know what crisis is. Admittedly, our first PM had given much of his time and efforts to the nation but the sacrifice that he had made did indeed 'pay of' to him and his family - if I may apologetically add - power, recognition (and perhaps wealth) and definitely respects. Unlike some heroes like Dr. Lim Bo Seng and Ms. Elizabeth Choy, they sacrificed but never saw their the fruit of their sacrifices. There were also some unsung heroes of this generation who had fought and got imprisoned for decades but their names were blotted out. History is always written by people who won the battle and seldom the reverse.
For me, I like to thank God that some personal crisis that I have faced in the past, at the present and very likely in the future are no comparison to many of the unsung heroes of this generation such as (to name but a few) Dr. Lim Hock Siew, Mr. Chia Thye Poh, Mr. Lim Chin Siong, Dr. Poh Soo Kia. They too have fought, for better or for worse (but alas they had lost the battle). I can imagine the extent of crisis their family members had to face when they were taken to prison and when hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, months turned into years and years turned into decades. Perhaps the government of the day might have its reasons to imprison them (without trial) but as a layman, I am see trying to find out actually what crimes all these people had committed. Can you imagine your dad was taken to prison when you were five months old and came out of the prison after nineteen years, and for a crime that you are still wondering this question: Dad what have done?
One may say....let bygone by bygone, I sincerely agree and let's look forward for a better time, for a better future but at the same time we must be prepared for life crisis which can hit us at any time - it could be loss of job, unjustifiably imprisoned, financial crisis, sickness of family members, etc. In this regard, I like to share with Sammyboy readers the following sermon:
Facing Trials and Tribulations in Life with God
The Property of Tears
by Jill Carattini, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, GA
The Property of Tears
by Jill Carattini, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, GA
Five year-old Samantha was the victim of a cruel and tragic murder, and her own tears were the evidence that sealed the case against her abductor. "
It is impossible to hear stories like this, of heinous murders, of calculated school shootings, without retreating to the deepest whys and hows of life. The abrupt ending to these lives is another wretched symptom of a sick and desperate world. The problem of evil is a problem that confronts us, sometimes jarringly. The problem of pain is only intensified by the personal nature of our experience with it.
The first time I heard Samantha's story my numbed mind was startled by this property of tears. I had no idea that our tears were so personally our own. Samantha's tears solved the case because there were none others like hers. They were unique to the eyes they came from, intricately a part of Samantha herself. In the pains and joys that cause us to weep and to mourn, we leave marks far more intimate than I ever realized. We shed evidence of our own makeup, leaving behind a complex, yet humble message: I was here, and my pain was real. There are a lot of really bad and unhelpful things that people say in the face of tragedy and particularly to those who mourn. For me this brings new meaning to the wisdom of being silent with the grief-stricken, sharing tears instead of advice.
There is no doubt something deeply necessary about the Christian hope that pain will one day be removed and tears will be no more. We are rightly comforted by the image of heaven as the place where God will wipe away every tear from the eyes of the weeping. There is much hope in the promise that there will one day be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. But perhaps there is first something deeply necessary about a God who has marked our tears so specifically even now, declaring that our pain is far from a generic or empty occurrence.
There is a line uttered by the psalmist that was comforting to my grandmother through many years of loss and life. To God the psalmist confesses, "You have kept count of my tossings, put my tears in your bottle" (Psalm 56:8). Tear-bottles were small urns of glass or pottery created to collect the tears of mourners at the funerals of loved ones. They were placed in the sepulchers at Rome and in Palestine where bodies were laid to rest. In some ancient tombs these bottles are found in great numbers, collecting tears that were shed with great meaning to the ones unique to them.
How assuring to know that our pain is not haphazardly viewed by the one who made tear ducts able to spill over with grief and anguish. God keeps count of our sorrowful struggling, each tear recorded and collected as pain steeped with the life of the one who wept it. Like a parent grieving at a child's wound, God knows our laments more intimately than we realize.
But also more than a parent wiping eyes and collecting tears, God has shed tears of his own, taking on the limitations and sufferings of creation personally, declaring in body that embodiment is something God takes very seriously. In her book Creed or Chaos, Dorothy Sayers writes:
"For whatever reason God chose to make man as he is - limited and suffering and subject to sorrows and death - He had the honesty and the courage to take His own medicine… He has Himself gone through the whole of human experience, from the trivial irritations of family life and the cramping restrictions of hard work and lack of money to the worst horrors of pain and humiliation, defeat, despair and death. When He was a man, He played the man. He was born in poverty and died in disgrace and thought it well worthwhile."
I know of no equal comfort in the midst of life's sorrows, no other answer within the problem of pain and evil. God has sent a Son as unique and personal as the very tears we shed crying out for answers and consolation. Every tear is marked with the intricacies of a Creator, every cry heard by one who wept at the grave of Lazarus, every lament collected in his bottle until the day when tears will indeed be no more.
-------------------------------------------End of Sermon------------------------------------
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.....Excuse me while I LOL ok? Wahahahahaha!Last week, our whole nation seemed to be mourning for the death of our founding father, the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. We heard 'testimonies' of people weeping even though they admitted that they had never met him in person but wept because of all the wonderful things he did for the nation. I can agree. He had done exceptionally well in modernizing this nation from an underdeveloped country to first world nation and in the process providing all the basic needs as well as luxuries to many of us. I still remember that as a very young boy, I saw every morning several night-soil carriers would come to collect buckets of human wastes for disposal and my family was one of those staying in one of these extremely run-down apartments that depended these 'heroes' to clear our dirt. I don't think anybody would want to go back to that era when today we can just press a button to get our toilet flushed. Given all the things he had one, he truly deserved to be praised. But to weep for the loss for someone I have never met in person I have my reservation. Furthermore I wonder what have we loss after all he had gone to retirement years ago. And certainly his family does not need us to share any sorrows nor to share the loss after all his children and his children-in-law are all very successful - one son who is the prime minister, daughter who is a medical professor and head of a neurology centre, another son who is a famous corporate leader, a daughter-in-law who is managing our national reserve, another daughter-in-law who is a senior director of a big international law firm. I really can't name another family with such successful and great career profiles. Can you?
I have the habit of browsing over obituaries frequently and I felt indeed a great sadness when I read of people died when they were just in their 30s, 40s or early 50s. Many of these people who departed so young (by comparison to our late Mr. Lee who died at age 91) must have very young children. My thoughts rally go with them even though I do not know them personally, especially if they were the sole-breadwinner. Such questions always come to my mind: How could their family survive? Who is going to pay for their mortgage as most of us depend on bank loans to service our housing loan, who would pay for their children's education especially when you have young children in childcare or kindergarten where the fee is $ 600 to $ 1,000 a month, who would look after their children if the mother (or father) decided to go to work, and sadly who is going to weep for them and share their sorrows? These obituaries are just a few of what we could read every week but for every one of these obituaries, there are at least 10 other such instances that we don't get to read them. Who are going to weep for these helpless people and their family members?
It will be very tough or even near impossible for people who faced tough times to be grateful and to thank and praise God. In fact, many would be like Job's wife who was very bitter against God when the family lost everything overnight as is told in the book of Job, in the Bible.
I can say I can thank God right now for the things He has provided to me but can I thank God during the times when I am facing calamity and having very difficult situations? And oh yes I can if only I can live up to 91 and has successful children like our late Mr. Lee and I would have forbid anyone to weep upon my death.
True, it might be easier said then done: We must be grateful to God and continue to thank God both in good times and in bad times and no matter how difficult it is, we must try to make this as our daily living - Be Grateful and Thank and Praise God in good times and bad times. I hope when I am facing very tough time I can walk the talk and hence I covert your prayer that I can be grateful and thankful to God when I am facing the most difficult times of my life.
Let me share with you, dear Christian brothers and sisters of the following sermon which I hope could give us encouragement to be grateful to God in good times and in bad times.
Our congregation has experienced a devastating tragedy this week. Any time someone's life is taken in their youth it grieves us deeply. Those of us who knew Ryan find ourselves numb. It was only last week that he was in our early worship service with his girlfriend and the friends he brought with him. Over these last few days we have battled feelings of confusion, anger, disillusionment, and a sadness that sucks the life out of us. We certainly don't find ourselves feeling very grateful.
Yet the Bible is clear, even though it is difficult to hear. Paul says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:16-18). The words are hard but we need to wrestle with them. This is a tough verse for many people,
• for the person recently divorced
• for the person who had a miscarriage of a baby they wanted badly
• for the person who's body is devastated by the treatments they are receiving
• for the person who feels they are barely "existing" in the Nursing home
• for the person who is overwhelmed by financial demands
• for the person who has to helplessly see their child suffer
• for the person who lives with a cloud of depression over them
• for the person who recently stood at the fresh dug grave of someone they love
• for the person who feels suffocated by their loneliness
In each of these cases, the idea of "giving thanks" is very difficult. In fact, it's not just difficult. It seems impossible. Let's look at what Paul is saying and see if we can understand what his words mean.
Why God Commands us to Give Thanks in every circumstance
First, God wants us to give thanks in the good times because thanksgiving promotes God's glory and develops humility in us. We all have a tendency to usurp the credit for the good things that God does. We must give thanks in the good times because it reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above. We call a child that takes without giving thanks, a spoiled child.
We are to give thanks in the good times because giving thanks makes us appreciate what we have been given. A person who is always complaining and never grateful is a person who does not know the richness of life. When we take the time to count our blessings, when we make it a point to focus on the wonderful things we have been given, we appreciate life more.
Second, God wants us to give thanks in the difficult times because it is an act of faith. When things are tough it takes faith to thank God for our circumstances. We must really believe that God has a plan we do not see. We must really believe that His wisdom is beyond our own. Giving thanks in difficult times requires something more than superficial faith.
God wants us to give thanks in the difficult times because He wants us to learn to walk by faith and not by sight. We can't always understand what happens in life. If we depend on our senses, life will be like a roller coaster. If we learn to depend on God, life will be steady. We can know peace even in the confusing times.
What Can We Thank God for in Tragic Times?
Let's be honest. When tragic times hit, there doesn't seem to be much to be thankful for. Are we to give thanks for the heartache? Are we to give thanks for the devastation? Are we supposed to be glad that our world is caving in? No. It's o.k. to hurt. It's o.k. to confess our pain and even our anger. God is not asking us to pretend. He's not asking us to say that painful things are good. What He wants is for us to confess that HE is good. There are many things to give thanks for in the midst of heartache.
We give thanks for a God who is working beyond the circumstances. This is certainly a declaration of faith. In the midst of devastating times we usually don't see anything God could possibly be doing in our circumstances. It seems shallow to quote verses about God working for the good. All the evidence tells us that the situation is NOT good. At least not from our perspective.
Does a football player feel grateful for hard workouts. No, it seems like cruel and unusual punishment. But is it good . . . yes, it is. Do we feel grateful when it comes time to exercise in the morning? Not usually. It seems like a dumb thing to do when we would rather sleep. But it is good. Do we feel grateful when money is taken out of our paycheck for retirement. No. We grumble. But is it good . . . when it comes time to retire we will be glad for the circumstances we grumbled about. Life is full of these situations.
What good could God be bringing out of a tragic accident? I don't know. What good can God bring from cancer? I don't know. What possible work can God be doing that would make a tragedy like Columbine seem to make sense? I don't know. All I know is what He tells us. He has not abandoned His throne. He is still in control. He knows what He is doing. Someday, we will see His plan and we will rejoice and give thanks. For now, we can only give thanks for the promise.
We give thanks because we affirm, trust, and yes, even celebrate, the character of God . . . even when the circumstances make no sense. We give thanks that God is good. He is not evil. He is not arbitrary. God has a reason for everything He does. . . whether we understand it, or not. We give thanks that the world is not as chaotic as it often seems.
David said we should give thanks because, "the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100:5) The Lord is good. What an important statement this is. The world is often evil. But God is good. His love never wavers. We may waver in our love for Him but He never wavers in His love for us. Max Lucado has written,
How wide is God's love? Wide enough for the whole world. Are you included in the world? Then you are included in God's love.
It's nice to be included. You aren't always. Universities exclude you if you aren't smart enough. Businesses exclude you if you aren't qualified enough, and sadly, some churches exclude you if you aren't good enough.
But though they may exclude you, Christ includes you. When asked to describe the width of his love, he stretched one hand to the right and one to the left and had them nailed in that position so you would know he died loving you.
But isn't there a limit? Surely there has to be an end to this love. You'd think so, wouldn't you? But David the adulterer never found it. Paul the murderer never found it. Peter the liar never found it. When it came to life, they hit bottom. But when it came to God's love, they never did. They, like you, found their names on God's list of love.
David tells us that God's faithfulness extends to all generations. When others fail us, He does not. When others desert us, He stands with us. When we declare our anger, He continues to declare His love. God is consistent. He is good. He is loving. Even when we don't understand the circumstances of life we should give thanks for the God who's character is without question. This character is what we rely on.
We give thanks for a sure Hope beyond the grave. How do people survive who see this life as all that there is? The Bible tells us that when we die, we go to be with the Lord. We are given a home prepared by God's loving hands. We are given bodies that will never decay, malfunction or embarrass us. We are reunited with loved ones who have died before us. And we will be with Jesus. Heaven is described by taking the most precious things of this life: gold, silver, precious stones . . . and making them the common things of Heaven. It is a reminder that this life is nothing in comparison to the splendor of the world to come. Heaven is depicted as a place of joy, singing, celebration. It is a place where wrongs are made right, where good is rewarded.
In the midst of many tragic times death is lurking somewhere in the picture. The pain is either caused by a death of someone we know or by the threat of death. Knowing that there is life beyond the grave softens the heartache. Knowing that this life is not all there is a blessing we should thank God for.
We give thanks for the Savior who made this hope possible. We should give thanks for God's plan to save us. We should give thanks for the baby in the manger, the teacher on the hillside, the Savior on the cross, the resurrected Lord, and the coming King. We give thanks for Jesus in every circumstance because He is our reason for hope. It is faith in Him that has made us new. It is faith in His provision that brings us eternal life.
We give thanks for a supernatural strength to get through devastation. We give thanks for a God who really does understand our pain. We are told that Jesus was "acquainted with all our grief". He lived this life. He knew what it was like to be rejected. He knew what it was like to face temptation of every kind. He knew what it was like to lose people He loved. Most people believe that Jesus' father died while he was young. Jesus knew what it was like to be misunderstood. He knew what it was like to hurt. And Jesus knows us. There is no one who understands us like He does.
We give thanks for the Spirit who prays for us with groans too deep for words. We give thanks for the God who sticks closer than a brother. He listens when we need to vent. He understands when words are absent. He gives strength when we have none of our own. He is the one who carries us when we have no strength of our own.
Why We Often Neglect to Give Thanks in the Good Times
We've looked plenty at the hard times. But some of you don't feel that sense of devastation in your life. For some of you life is going really well. Everything seems to be falling into place. Sometimes these are some of the most dangerous times of life.
When times go well it is easy to take things for granted. The simple pleasures are overlooked. Blessing is expected rather than received with gratitude. Have you ever thought about how many things we take for granted every single day? do we do this? Here's some ideas,
• Sometimes we neglect to give thanks because we feel we have earned what we have. We have worked hard and things have worked out. We seem to feel that our blessings are the result of our goodness. We don't need to give thanks because we have "earned everything we have." I don't think I need to point out what a dangerous situation this is.
• Sometimes we neglect to give thanks because we are too greedy yearning for more. We are too busy looking at what we would like to have rather than thanking God for what we do have. As a child I remember always feeling somewhat impoverished at Christmas. I'd look at the Sears Christmas Catalog and see all the stuff I didn't have. In the process I neglected to be grateful for the many things I did have: the material stuff, two parents who loved me, a warm home, great sisters, good food at [almost] every meal, the opportunity for a good education, a Christian upbringing, a large extended family . . . and so very much more.
• Sometimes we neglect to give thanks because we have taken what we have for granted. When was the last time you gave thanks for the simple things, like those mentioned above. When was the last time you really said "thank-you" for God's grace, His forgiveness, His Spirit who guides, directs and empowers you? When was the last time you thanked God for the Bible and it's ability to get to the heart of any problem? When was the last time you gave thanks for the many teachers, authors and influential people God has brought into your lives? When was the last time you thanked God for His church and the people who stand at your side? R.C. Sproul sings it, "We've Grown Accustomed to His Grace". Giving thanks keeps us from taking the blessings of life for granted.
When we don't thank God for the good times, we lose our ability to recognize that they ARE good times. We shouldn't need a tragedy to wake us up to the things that should be cherished. James tells us that "every good and perfect gift is from above." We need to work to give more than superficial thanks to God in the good times just like we have to in the bad.
CONCLUSIONS
Yes, we are to give thanks in ALL circumstances. And to help you do that, may I suggest some simple ideas?
1. Sometime when you are alone slowly look around your home and NOTICE the things you have to be thankful for. Look at the pictures and thank Him for the memories that the pictures represent. Notice the possessions and thank Him for the ways He has provided for you. Notice the things others have given as gifts, and thank Him for the blessing of friendship. Notice the things that remind us of those who have already gone on to their eternal reward . . . and thank God for the way you were enriched by those lives. See the television, the computer, the stereo and thank God for the joy those machines have brought you. Thank Him that you are living in such a time as this. Look at the stains on the carpet or the furniture and remember the things that caused them. Notice the wall where you marked the height of your children and give thanks for them. Notice the things left lying around and give thanks that signs of life surround you.
2. In some quiet night sit in the dark and list as many things as you can in God's character that you can be thankful for. Remember where you were when He changed your life. Remember the times of crisis you thought you could not survive but did, by His strength. Recall some of the life changing lessons you have learned or some of the Bible passages that have become your foundation for living. Dare to think about the place that He is preparing for you and thank Him in advance for the riches He gives.
3. Make it a point to say thanks to those you cherish. Be specific. Maybe you'll need to write it down. Maybe you'll need to make a phone call. Maybe you'll need to go out to a gravesite . . . but do make it a point to be grateful. It will mean a great deal to you . . . and it may mean even more to those who receive your words.
4. Before you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, look around the table. Really see the faces that are there. Don't focus on the food . . . focus on those you share the meal with. Be old fashioned, go around the table and express your gratitude [Maybe you'll want to do this before the food is put out]. Go ahead and say a prayer. Thank God for the food and for your family.
5. And if this is a hard Thanksgiving. Take the time to talk about the Lord. Remind yourself and those around you that He is good, his love endures forever, and His faithfulness will never cease. Remind yourself of when days were better. Tell stories of the past. Remind with fondness and maybe with tears. . . . . and then look forward to the future day when the tears will be dried, the pain will be gone, and the smile of Jesus will bring a joy this world has never known.
I have the habit of browsing over obituaries frequently and I felt indeed a great sadness when I read of people died when they were just in their 30s, 40s or early 50s. Many of these people who departed so young (by comparison to our late Mr. Lee who died at age 91) must have very young children. My thoughts rally go with them even though I do not know them personally, especially if they were the sole-breadwinner. Such questions always come to my mind: How could their family survive? Who is going to pay for their mortgage as most of us depend on bank loans to service our housing loan, who would pay for their children's education especially when you have young children in childcare or kindergarten where the fee is $ 600 to $ 1,000 a month, who would look after their children if the mother (or father) decided to go to work, and sadly who is going to weep for them and share their sorrows? These obituaries are just a few of what we could read every week but for every one of these obituaries, there are at least 10 other such instances that we don't get to read them. Who are going to weep for these helpless people and their family members?
It will be very tough or even near impossible for people who faced tough times to be grateful and to thank and praise God. In fact, many would be like Job's wife who was very bitter against God when the family lost everything overnight as is told in the book of Job, in the Bible.
I can say I can thank God right now for the things He has provided to me but can I thank God during the times when I am facing calamity and having very difficult situations? And oh yes I can if only I can live up to 91 and has successful children like our late Mr. Lee and I would have forbid anyone to weep upon my death.
True, it might be easier said then done: We must be grateful to God and continue to thank God both in good times and in bad times and no matter how difficult it is, we must try to make this as our daily living - Be Grateful and Thank and Praise God in good times and bad times. I hope when I am facing very tough time I can walk the talk and hence I covert your prayer that I can be grateful and thankful to God when I am facing the most difficult times of my life.
Let me share with you, dear Christian brothers and sisters of the following sermon which I hope could give us encouragement to be grateful to God in good times and in bad times.
Being Grateful In Good Times and in Bad
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
by Rev. Bruce Goettsche
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
by Rev. Bruce Goettsche
Our congregation has experienced a devastating tragedy this week. Any time someone's life is taken in their youth it grieves us deeply. Those of us who knew Ryan find ourselves numb. It was only last week that he was in our early worship service with his girlfriend and the friends he brought with him. Over these last few days we have battled feelings of confusion, anger, disillusionment, and a sadness that sucks the life out of us. We certainly don't find ourselves feeling very grateful.
Yet the Bible is clear, even though it is difficult to hear. Paul says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:16-18). The words are hard but we need to wrestle with them. This is a tough verse for many people,
• for the person recently divorced
• for the person who had a miscarriage of a baby they wanted badly
• for the person who's body is devastated by the treatments they are receiving
• for the person who feels they are barely "existing" in the Nursing home
• for the person who is overwhelmed by financial demands
• for the person who has to helplessly see their child suffer
• for the person who lives with a cloud of depression over them
• for the person who recently stood at the fresh dug grave of someone they love
• for the person who feels suffocated by their loneliness
In each of these cases, the idea of "giving thanks" is very difficult. In fact, it's not just difficult. It seems impossible. Let's look at what Paul is saying and see if we can understand what his words mean.
Why God Commands us to Give Thanks in every circumstance
First, God wants us to give thanks in the good times because thanksgiving promotes God's glory and develops humility in us. We all have a tendency to usurp the credit for the good things that God does. We must give thanks in the good times because it reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above. We call a child that takes without giving thanks, a spoiled child.
We are to give thanks in the good times because giving thanks makes us appreciate what we have been given. A person who is always complaining and never grateful is a person who does not know the richness of life. When we take the time to count our blessings, when we make it a point to focus on the wonderful things we have been given, we appreciate life more.
Second, God wants us to give thanks in the difficult times because it is an act of faith. When things are tough it takes faith to thank God for our circumstances. We must really believe that God has a plan we do not see. We must really believe that His wisdom is beyond our own. Giving thanks in difficult times requires something more than superficial faith.
God wants us to give thanks in the difficult times because He wants us to learn to walk by faith and not by sight. We can't always understand what happens in life. If we depend on our senses, life will be like a roller coaster. If we learn to depend on God, life will be steady. We can know peace even in the confusing times.
What Can We Thank God for in Tragic Times?
Let's be honest. When tragic times hit, there doesn't seem to be much to be thankful for. Are we to give thanks for the heartache? Are we to give thanks for the devastation? Are we supposed to be glad that our world is caving in? No. It's o.k. to hurt. It's o.k. to confess our pain and even our anger. God is not asking us to pretend. He's not asking us to say that painful things are good. What He wants is for us to confess that HE is good. There are many things to give thanks for in the midst of heartache.
We give thanks for a God who is working beyond the circumstances. This is certainly a declaration of faith. In the midst of devastating times we usually don't see anything God could possibly be doing in our circumstances. It seems shallow to quote verses about God working for the good. All the evidence tells us that the situation is NOT good. At least not from our perspective.
Does a football player feel grateful for hard workouts. No, it seems like cruel and unusual punishment. But is it good . . . yes, it is. Do we feel grateful when it comes time to exercise in the morning? Not usually. It seems like a dumb thing to do when we would rather sleep. But it is good. Do we feel grateful when money is taken out of our paycheck for retirement. No. We grumble. But is it good . . . when it comes time to retire we will be glad for the circumstances we grumbled about. Life is full of these situations.
What good could God be bringing out of a tragic accident? I don't know. What good can God bring from cancer? I don't know. What possible work can God be doing that would make a tragedy like Columbine seem to make sense? I don't know. All I know is what He tells us. He has not abandoned His throne. He is still in control. He knows what He is doing. Someday, we will see His plan and we will rejoice and give thanks. For now, we can only give thanks for the promise.
We give thanks because we affirm, trust, and yes, even celebrate, the character of God . . . even when the circumstances make no sense. We give thanks that God is good. He is not evil. He is not arbitrary. God has a reason for everything He does. . . whether we understand it, or not. We give thanks that the world is not as chaotic as it often seems.
David said we should give thanks because, "the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100:5) The Lord is good. What an important statement this is. The world is often evil. But God is good. His love never wavers. We may waver in our love for Him but He never wavers in His love for us. Max Lucado has written,
How wide is God's love? Wide enough for the whole world. Are you included in the world? Then you are included in God's love.
It's nice to be included. You aren't always. Universities exclude you if you aren't smart enough. Businesses exclude you if you aren't qualified enough, and sadly, some churches exclude you if you aren't good enough.
But though they may exclude you, Christ includes you. When asked to describe the width of his love, he stretched one hand to the right and one to the left and had them nailed in that position so you would know he died loving you.
But isn't there a limit? Surely there has to be an end to this love. You'd think so, wouldn't you? But David the adulterer never found it. Paul the murderer never found it. Peter the liar never found it. When it came to life, they hit bottom. But when it came to God's love, they never did. They, like you, found their names on God's list of love.
David tells us that God's faithfulness extends to all generations. When others fail us, He does not. When others desert us, He stands with us. When we declare our anger, He continues to declare His love. God is consistent. He is good. He is loving. Even when we don't understand the circumstances of life we should give thanks for the God who's character is without question. This character is what we rely on.
We give thanks for a sure Hope beyond the grave. How do people survive who see this life as all that there is? The Bible tells us that when we die, we go to be with the Lord. We are given a home prepared by God's loving hands. We are given bodies that will never decay, malfunction or embarrass us. We are reunited with loved ones who have died before us. And we will be with Jesus. Heaven is described by taking the most precious things of this life: gold, silver, precious stones . . . and making them the common things of Heaven. It is a reminder that this life is nothing in comparison to the splendor of the world to come. Heaven is depicted as a place of joy, singing, celebration. It is a place where wrongs are made right, where good is rewarded.
In the midst of many tragic times death is lurking somewhere in the picture. The pain is either caused by a death of someone we know or by the threat of death. Knowing that there is life beyond the grave softens the heartache. Knowing that this life is not all there is a blessing we should thank God for.
We give thanks for the Savior who made this hope possible. We should give thanks for God's plan to save us. We should give thanks for the baby in the manger, the teacher on the hillside, the Savior on the cross, the resurrected Lord, and the coming King. We give thanks for Jesus in every circumstance because He is our reason for hope. It is faith in Him that has made us new. It is faith in His provision that brings us eternal life.
We give thanks for a supernatural strength to get through devastation. We give thanks for a God who really does understand our pain. We are told that Jesus was "acquainted with all our grief". He lived this life. He knew what it was like to be rejected. He knew what it was like to face temptation of every kind. He knew what it was like to lose people He loved. Most people believe that Jesus' father died while he was young. Jesus knew what it was like to be misunderstood. He knew what it was like to hurt. And Jesus knows us. There is no one who understands us like He does.
We give thanks for the Spirit who prays for us with groans too deep for words. We give thanks for the God who sticks closer than a brother. He listens when we need to vent. He understands when words are absent. He gives strength when we have none of our own. He is the one who carries us when we have no strength of our own.
Why We Often Neglect to Give Thanks in the Good Times
We've looked plenty at the hard times. But some of you don't feel that sense of devastation in your life. For some of you life is going really well. Everything seems to be falling into place. Sometimes these are some of the most dangerous times of life.
When times go well it is easy to take things for granted. The simple pleasures are overlooked. Blessing is expected rather than received with gratitude. Have you ever thought about how many things we take for granted every single day? do we do this? Here's some ideas,
• Sometimes we neglect to give thanks because we feel we have earned what we have. We have worked hard and things have worked out. We seem to feel that our blessings are the result of our goodness. We don't need to give thanks because we have "earned everything we have." I don't think I need to point out what a dangerous situation this is.
• Sometimes we neglect to give thanks because we are too greedy yearning for more. We are too busy looking at what we would like to have rather than thanking God for what we do have. As a child I remember always feeling somewhat impoverished at Christmas. I'd look at the Sears Christmas Catalog and see all the stuff I didn't have. In the process I neglected to be grateful for the many things I did have: the material stuff, two parents who loved me, a warm home, great sisters, good food at [almost] every meal, the opportunity for a good education, a Christian upbringing, a large extended family . . . and so very much more.
• Sometimes we neglect to give thanks because we have taken what we have for granted. When was the last time you gave thanks for the simple things, like those mentioned above. When was the last time you really said "thank-you" for God's grace, His forgiveness, His Spirit who guides, directs and empowers you? When was the last time you thanked God for the Bible and it's ability to get to the heart of any problem? When was the last time you gave thanks for the many teachers, authors and influential people God has brought into your lives? When was the last time you thanked God for His church and the people who stand at your side? R.C. Sproul sings it, "We've Grown Accustomed to His Grace". Giving thanks keeps us from taking the blessings of life for granted.
When we don't thank God for the good times, we lose our ability to recognize that they ARE good times. We shouldn't need a tragedy to wake us up to the things that should be cherished. James tells us that "every good and perfect gift is from above." We need to work to give more than superficial thanks to God in the good times just like we have to in the bad.
CONCLUSIONS
Yes, we are to give thanks in ALL circumstances. And to help you do that, may I suggest some simple ideas?
1. Sometime when you are alone slowly look around your home and NOTICE the things you have to be thankful for. Look at the pictures and thank Him for the memories that the pictures represent. Notice the possessions and thank Him for the ways He has provided for you. Notice the things others have given as gifts, and thank Him for the blessing of friendship. Notice the things that remind us of those who have already gone on to their eternal reward . . . and thank God for the way you were enriched by those lives. See the television, the computer, the stereo and thank God for the joy those machines have brought you. Thank Him that you are living in such a time as this. Look at the stains on the carpet or the furniture and remember the things that caused them. Notice the wall where you marked the height of your children and give thanks for them. Notice the things left lying around and give thanks that signs of life surround you.
2. In some quiet night sit in the dark and list as many things as you can in God's character that you can be thankful for. Remember where you were when He changed your life. Remember the times of crisis you thought you could not survive but did, by His strength. Recall some of the life changing lessons you have learned or some of the Bible passages that have become your foundation for living. Dare to think about the place that He is preparing for you and thank Him in advance for the riches He gives.
3. Make it a point to say thanks to those you cherish. Be specific. Maybe you'll need to write it down. Maybe you'll need to make a phone call. Maybe you'll need to go out to a gravesite . . . but do make it a point to be grateful. It will mean a great deal to you . . . and it may mean even more to those who receive your words.
4. Before you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, look around the table. Really see the faces that are there. Don't focus on the food . . . focus on those you share the meal with. Be old fashioned, go around the table and express your gratitude [Maybe you'll want to do this before the food is put out]. Go ahead and say a prayer. Thank God for the food and for your family.
5. And if this is a hard Thanksgiving. Take the time to talk about the Lord. Remind yourself and those around you that He is good, his love endures forever, and His faithfulness will never cease. Remind yourself of when days were better. Tell stories of the past. Remind with fondness and maybe with tears. . . . . and then look forward to the future day when the tears will be dried, the pain will be gone, and the smile of Jesus will bring a joy this world has never known.
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