Thank-ful-ness!
Some years back, I was asked by a friend to write an article on thankfulness. Those of you that have been reading the blog for any length of time know that I generally take the month of November to remind us of what God’s word says about being thankful.
How could I condense a month’s worth of writing into a single article?
I didn’t have to figure it out on my own, I simply had to be obedient and open to what the Lord put on my heart and then put that down on paper. Thank you, Jesus.
That was then and this is now. All these years later I am still full of thanks. Grateful for all the Lord has done in my life and for those that I love dearly. Many events have transpired – moments of great joy, days of routine, and times of stress, disappointment and some heartache. My resolve to be thankful remains the same.
Sitting here this morning, as I do most every morning, while it’s still dark and feeling the cool fall air, (down to 51 this morning), enjoying the warmth of a good cup of coffee and seeking the Father for the day’s direction, I am very thankful. Thankful that my Father is still in control; He hasn’t fallen off His throne. His omniscience is superior to the knowledge of the world’s wisest men, and His omnipresence penetrates to the farthest reaches of the universe. With everything He has before Him this day, Jesus reminds me:
“My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so that they can know him too.
28 If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” Matthew 11:27-29 CEV
Jesus has taken the time to tell us about the Father and not only that, but Jesus made a way for us to be adopted by the Father so that we can call Him “Abba Father” (Papa or Daddy) and we can experience firsthand His love and compassion.
“The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children. And with that Spirit we cry out, “ Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 ERV
I don’t have to have all the answers and I don’t have to learn by “hard knocks”. I can trust the Father and learn from Him.
“With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV
My greatest desire and ambition is that I leave a legacy of trusting and following the Lord. A legacy that my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will embrace.
May you experience that as well. Enjoy your day and let the Father lead you. There you will find rest. Be “full of thanks” and trust the Lord!