Nov 27 2008
In Everything Give Thanks
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:4 - 7)
Often we see Thanksgiving as a time of high rejoicing - a time to eat a lot, laugh a lot, and celebrate the good things in life. While this is true, for many, this past year has been a series of highs and lows or even lows and lows. Many have watched family members and sweethearts head overseas into battle zones. Some have failed to return. Many have said ‘Good-Bye’ to loved ones taken by age, illness, or accident. Others have lost their homes or their jobs or both. The scythe has swung wide and at times, it has cut deep. Christians. Non-Christians. It does not seem to matter.In times like these the Christian is faced with the challenge: How do I respond correctly when crisis riddles my life?
As Christians we often feel we should be out of the line of fire. While those around us are mowed down by life’s tragedies, we think we should stand impervious to the hard knocks and blows of life. However, this is not what Scripture teaches.
In the passage above Paul admonishes believers to:
Rejoice
Relax
Relate
We are to rejoice, not in our trial, but in our God. We know He is working ‘. . .all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.’ (Rom 8:28). As his children, although we cannot see His hand, we can trust His heart.
We are to relax. We have the promise of peace in both mind and heart when faced with trying times. No doubt the storms of life batter our souls. No doubt the ‘why?’ escapes our stiff lips. No doubt our trials shake our faith. But these trials are to bring us to our Savior that we might cling more tightly to the hem of His garment. As Calvin says, “The peace of God will guard you so as to prevent you from turning back from God in wicked thoughts or desires.”
We are to relate. When buffeted by life’s storms, we are commanded to turn to God in prayer. This is not a demanding prayer. This is a humble prayer. We pour forth our hearts to our Father - our fears, our dashed hopes, our shattered dreams. In His arms we find refuge when our world makes no sense.
Once we have our priorities straight, we are better prepared to face the challenges which come our way. Even more we are equipped to reach out to a hurting world around us with real hope.
“Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow,
Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea,
What matter beating wind and tossing billow
If only we are in the boat with Thee?
Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute
While Thou art silent, and the wind is shrill:
Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?
Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?”
Amy Carmichael ~ Beyond Jerusalem
