So, each day, I will kneel to touch the hem of His garment and receive from Him another day, with all it holds, and say, "Thank You."
In Philippians 4:11, Paul said, "I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am."
Was Paul nuts or had he discovered the secret of keeping life joyful?
What about when he was being flogged and stoned, etc? Or when he was being maligned and undermined? Or when he was old, cold and lonely in prison?
Paul had learned something which I seem to have to learn over and over again. That is, to see God in EVERYTHING and to accept NO SECOND CAUSES.
What does that actually mean in my everyday life?
We know that Satan is our constant enemy, we live in a fallen world, we encounter wicked people, we experience pain, sorrow and tragedy.
BUT WE ALSO KNOW that there is no power, no force, no influence, no genius, no energy, no activity which is greater than God's and we are surrounded and enveloped by the Presence of Almighty God.
Nothing can get through to touch us unless God deliberately moves aside to allow it. This includes everything from terrible violence to severe trials, petty annoyances and harsh words.
It is only on this basis that "In everything give hanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), makes sense. Whatever it is, it is God's will for us because it is part of His making ALL things work together for good. If I truly believe that God arranges every detail of my life, the only thing I can honestly do, is say "Thank You."
God takes the heartbreak, the loss, the disappointment, the grief, the tragedy, the difficulty ... and gives us back the gold of Romans 8:28. I need to remember with gratitude what the GOOD is, for which all things are working together ..... to conform me to the image of God's dear Son (Roman s 8:29).
What place could grumbling have in days so richly blessed and so lovingly planned?
This I know both intellectually and by experience, but I've been reminded again. And I wonder – why do I have to relearn it so often?
I must see God in every circumstance. Nothing can happen without His knowledge, His consent and His participating Presence.
Complaining leads to self-pity and self-pity is a dangerous and false declaration that God is wrong in what He has allowed.
I need to realize, and to live in the realization, that anything but praise and thanksgiving attributes more power to someone or something than to God!
Oswald Chambers said, "Unless we can look the darkest, blackest fact full in the face without damaging God's character, we do not yet know Him."
Faith tells me that everything in my life, just the way it is, is the very best for me. The moment it becomes less than best for me, the One Who has all the wisdom, all the power and all the love will change it (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:29).
This day, with all it holds, is the day the Lord has made with me in mind. So, each day, I will kneel to touch the hem of His garment and receive from Him another day, with all it holds, and say, "Thank You."
With love and prayers,