It's Seneca again. I have been MIA for weeks now. As some of you could guess this is the busy season for us photographers. (Jean, THANK YOU so much for filling in for me!) Now after the time change, it gets dark too early for comfort for must of us but luckily I'm able to attend Bible Study again. Hooray!
I've missed these evening with the ladies. I've learned so much just by listening to their insight and encouragement. I'm so happy to be back!
This week we discussed the sin of unthankfulness. Have you thought the lack of unthankfulness as a sin? We are all guilty of not thanking God for the many blessings He bestows on us. Why is it hard to remember to give thanks? There are a number of reasons but for me it's simple. I forget. I get so caught up in events and fleshly desires that I forget.
In Deuteronomy, God warns the Israelites to not forget to acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him:
"Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statues, which I command you today, lest when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when you herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then you heart be lifted up , and you forget the Lord your God ... Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your father, as it is this day."
Do you thank Him daily for your salvation? I'll be the first to admit I fail to. A perfect example was discussed Wednesday evening to put this in perspective. How would you feel if someone paid off your mortgage in full as a gift? I would cry happy tears and be overcome with absolute relief and joy. God gave us the greatest gift in Jesus, who wiped our biggest debt clean. Shouldn't we fall to our knees thanking Him daily for that gift?
Ephesians 5:20 tells us to give thanks always and for everything. This shows obedience to Him. The author asks if we've ever walked through our homes giving thanks for all the food in our pantry, furnishings, clothes hanging in our closets.. etc. When I first read his question I thought, "Yeah, right. Who does that?!" But the truth is EVERYTHING we have is a gift. Not just our belongings and material possessions but our abilities and talents too.
Many times I find myself upset because something didn't go the way I'd planned. Whether it be a flat tire or a rejected business venture. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Therefore as believer, we must give thanks in all circumstances, even the ones we aren't thankful for.
I may not alway see the outcome of the circumstances I face. It is extremely hard at times to give thanks for inconveniences and hardships but I need to remember God's promise found in Romans 8:28 that tells us all things work together for good. It may be years later but all the circumstances
God purposely places in my life, good will come out of it. For God is faithful in all situations.
Here are some take aways for you as you go about your weekend:
- Everything we have is a gift from God (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, 17-18)
- Give thanks always and for everything (Ephesians 5:20)
- Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
- Cling to God's promises (Romans 8:28-29, 38-39)
- Memorize Ephesians 5:20 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18
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