Thank God!

Written by Sandy Clay

We have nothing without God. Nothing in our life happens because “we” make it happen... it is because “he” makes it happen... It’s easy to praise God, and thank him for what he has done for us on a good day. However, even on bad days, thank God. Thank him for loving you, for guiding you, for dying for you, for giving you life. We cannot stand up and take credit for the good in our lives, we can only stand up and praise God for giving us the opportunity to allow him to work through us. Allowing God to work within you, to work through you, is life enriching. You may have every material possession you desire, but without God, you will always be poor. 

Despite the opposition that they had faced, the Levites stood before the Israelites and led them in praise: “Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.” Then they called loudly to the Lord, so that everyone could hear, and they said, “Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.” (Nehemiah 9:5) 

“You alone are the Lord, you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. (Nehemiah 9:6) Stand up and tell everyone, “Look what God did for me!” Show them his power, his grace, his mercy, his love, by telling them how much he has brought to your life. After the rebuilding of the Wall of Jerusalem, at the dedication the Levites were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully with songs of thanksgiving. They were rejoicing for what God had done for them. (Nehemiah 12:27) They were so filled with thanksgiving to God that the sound of the music and singing could be heard far outside the city. (Nehemiah 12:43) 

When things don’t go the way we expect them to... or simply how we want them to, we often have a hard time accepting it. We become angry and frustrated... We become like the Israelites once were: arrogant, stubborn, and disobedient. We refuse to listen, and fail to remember the great things that God has done for us. (Nehemiah 9:17) What we think would be wonderful, is not always part of God’s will. Remember that God’s will is wonderful... God’s will is perfect. You may have a good idea, but is it God’s idea of good? When things don’t go our way, we must still praise God. We must be obedient, know that God has a better plan for us, and understand that our current disappointment is just part of God’s plan. When life feels hopeless beyond belief, be thankful that God is in control, and that you are part of God’s plan. Be thankful that you do not have to do it alone.. God is with you. No matter what the situation may be, God is with you. In Deuteronomy 31:8 Moses tells Joshua “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” 

There is no reason to be fearful, and we should not allow ourselves to become discouraged. As long as we are with God, he will be with us. What more could we possibly want in life, than to know that God is with us. What else do we need? As long as you have God, you will have everything that you need. When the Israelites were in need God gave them manna to eat, and produced water from a rock for them to drink. He will provide for your needs just as he did theirs. He may not give you what you want, but he will give you what you need. Trust in him, and never stop being thankful for the many blessings you are given. 

For all that God has given you, give thanks. Worship him every minute of every day, do everything that you do for God, to glorify God. It is not about you, it is about God’s glory. Thank God for being God. Things that seem unimportant... the most trivial part of your day is still important to God. Every piece of the puzzle, bright or dark, must be in place, before you can see the whole picture. Thank God for every piece of the puzzle that you are given.