WE THANK GOD..... Growing up in Nigeria, a popular response to the question how are you? was ...We thank God Oh. The sentiment is expressed differently in different countries and cultures but the underlying message is the same - whatever state we are in, we give Him thanks recognising that it could be worse, recognising the blessings we have even in the middle of the storms, acknowledging that there are others out there who struggle with even more. We thank Him for his mercies and grace. Sometimes however, it is fair to say that we dont always feel like being grateful. Sometimes it does seem like God is far away and silent in the midst of the storm. When those times come, its true also that though we may say the words, we may lift our hands and voices but the reality is that our hearts are screaming in desperation, our eyes are sore with held back tears and the dawn of each day brings nothing but sadness and sorrow. David, the Lords anointed King of Israel knew these feelings well. Often surrounded by enemies, many from his own family including his sons, beleaguered on every side by those who wanted his throne, his psalms are full of painful honesty as he reaches out to God desperately seeking an answer that sometimes seems to be taking its time in coming. One of my favourites is Psalm 42 that starts with these words: As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you Lord. I thirst for the Lord, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Day and night I have only tears for food while my enemies continually taunt me saying Where is that God of yours? (Psalm 42) NLT Davids psalms teach me that being the Lords anointed as we all are, is no protection against troubles and strife. Things wont always go well, there will not always be happy endings, there will be pain and sorrow in this life. They also teach me about honesty before God...about recognising that I dont have to pretend Im ok when Im not...I can go before Him and tell him how hard things feel. Davids relationship with God was made all the more powerful by his honesty before Him. Yet Davids Psalms also teach me the power of hope, faith, patience, endurance and perseverance ...In almost each one that starts in desperation, David ends them by reaffirming his hope, faith and belief that God would hear and answer Him. He forces himself to remember the good times, to remember the miracles that God has performed in the past and mostly, above all to remember who God is. Psalm 42 ends with the words... Why am I discouraged Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God I will praise Him again. My saviour and my God. (v.11)NLT In the face of terrible opposition and troubles He choose to believe in Gods faithfulness. He makes a conscious decision to praise God despite the troubles, to give thanks, to believe in His goodness and His power. See Psalm 117 among others... In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul says - Give thanks in circumstances for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. So today..give thanks from a grateful heart, but also from an honest one...He sees your heart anyway so tell Him how you really feel, but then like David, reaffirm your hope, your faith, your knowledge of who God is and know that those who wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed (Isaiah 40:31) He is faithful and His mercies will endure forever, He will not abandon or forsake you and mostly He understands your pain. He feels your pain and He will come!! He will Come! Be blessed today and have an amazing God filled weekend. May the Lord, bless and keep you and may you find peace and abundance before Him in all things - In Jesus name. Amen. ©Jennifer. I @His Love Within Please like, comment and share and love as He loves you!!! Please Like this page for daily updates from His Love Within.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:34:02 +0000
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