Mustard Seed Thoughts #21

At the end of November each year, the Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. This is the time when they remember the goodness of God. This celebration was established by the early fathers when they founded the nation. As other nations which honour God, USA has experienced the bountiful blessings the Lord. However, they have had their share of challenges, struggles and difficulties as a nation. The attitude of thanksgiving brings about God’s continued favour.

When the Israelites returned home in the Second Exodus, they were called to lay the foundation for the temple. In Ezra Ch 3, we see this incident. As the foundation was being laid, the worshippers began their praise to the Lord. It was loud and majestic as the sound of crashing cymbals filled the air. Then there was this song of thanksgiving (3:11):

“ For He (God) is good
For His mercy endures forever..... “

There was another round of shouts of praise. It was so loud that those present could not distinguish between the shouts of weeping and of rejoicing. (3:13) Those who were weeping probably were full of joy and sadness as they reminisced about their journey (of life) with God all these years. They could not believe that their dream had finally come true-to see the establishment of the temple. It was their vision and passion.

We also have a vision and a passion for our lives. Everyone wants his/her vision to be fulfilled. Sometimes the journey seems so rough and the end of the tunnel cannot be seen. We wonder if the dream that we aspire will finally come to pass. Life, as they say, is full of twists and turns. How do we hold on when everything is so uncertain? How can we be sure that we are heading the right direction when things seem to be getting worse instead of getting better? The Israelites had felt that many times in their journey with God. They were scattered, they had become slaves in foreign lands: they had it hard.

Giving thanks helps us put things in right perspective. God’s perspective. We may not be able to see the entire picture now but if we believe that our God knows best, we should place our entire trust on Him. Although we may not see the good that will come out of what we may be going through right now, we should not waver. Thanksgiving helps us become:

Positive. We complain and fret about what we do not like. The negative things. We fail to see that a lot of things happening around us are positive things. When we give thanks, we look at our lives from a positive angle. We change our attitude and behaviour. We begin to appreciate.

Purposeful. When we give thanks, we know that we are right in the centre of God’s will: at this time, place, situation, relationship etc. We become grateful to God for moulding us so that we can fulfil our destiny and purpose. There is a reason and purpose for where we are right now.

Prepared. We prepare ourselves to experience and live in the future. Our dreams are being and will be fulfilled. We look forward not backwards. We watch out for the blessings along the way.
So...in ‘everything give thanks....for this is the will of God concerning you’.