Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
(NKJV)
I have been continually impressed as I have read my Bible at how often thanksgiving and praise is emphasized. (Psalm 54:6; Jeremiah 33:11; Psalm 107:22; Psalm 116:17;Jonah2:9) We often find Biblical characters in difficult circumstances giving thanks and praising God.
As pain and adversity has intruded upon our lives, it has been difficult to give praise and thanksgiving to God in the middle of it all. It's not my nature. Sometimes I have been able to do it and other times I have failed. But as I have meditated on this, it has become obvious why God considers these things to be sacrifices.
A sacrifice is a difficult thing to make. We have to say "no" to our natural inclinations to complain about our circumstances. Then we have to think of things to be happy and thankful for and give praise and thanksgiving to God for them. How easy is that when you are in pain or a loved one is very ill and we have lost sleep? It's a sacrifice, but it is one that God is well pleased with and one that shines the Light of Jesus to a lost world.
How are you doing in this department? If you are like me, knowing this truth is one thing. Living it is another. Think of practical ways that you can put this into practice this week. I've heard it called "Thanks-living".
Dear Father, Knowing Your Word and desire for my life are one thing, living it is another. Please help me to live my faith. Amen.
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1 comment:
Hi Marsha,
I was encouraged by your post of "thanksliving" :o)
I am glad to have found you here.
Blessings to you and yours and keep looking to Jesus,
The Author and Perfector of our Faith :o)
~suz
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