A THANKFUL HEART (01-18-13)

Psalms 111:1

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just.

I have learned to say it at an early age.  When somebody gives you something good, say “thank you”. 

And so when I receive gifts, money, toys and things that make me feel good, expect the words “thank you” in return.

And as we grow, this has become a habit.  A simple token of appreciation, “thank you”.  Someone would give us a seat, “thank you”.  A person would allow us to go first, “thank you”.  Thank you because it made us feel good inside.  Thank you because it feels good to receive something good.

But how about when someone hurts us?  When someone becomes the reason for our suffering or depression or pain?  Do we still have the gall to say “thank you”.  Human logic would dictate “of course not”.  Human logic would say “that is insane”.

But isn’t it the best time to say “thank you” to God?  For it means that we do not live in this world just to receive goodies and be happy.  We are also in this world to experience pain and suffering, for that way, we would become stronger, better and closer to God.

Jesus have shown miracles –good stuffs – but only a few believed in Him.  He was even called one with the devil.  But when people saw how he suffered from the cross and died – all for our sins – then people believed.

Do not look at life on a short term basis.  Look at it overall as series of good things and bad things.  But out of it will come something better – a life that is worth thanking for.  A life of blessings rather than emptiness.  A life full of joy rather than pain.  And for that, we say “thank you”.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, thank You.  Joy and pain…But I know that at the end of it all, a joyful heart and peaceful spirit will be mine forever.  Amen +

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.