
In everything give thanks!
(Thomas Watson, “All Things for Good”)
“We know that God causesĀ everythingĀ to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
See what cause the saints have to be frequent in the work ofĀ thanksgiving!Ā In this, Christians are defective; though they are much inĀ supplication–yet they are little inĀ thanksgiving. The apostle says. “In everything give thanks!“Ā 1 Thessalonians 5:18Ā
Why so?Ā Because God makes everything work together for our good.Ā
We thank theĀ physician, though he gives us a bitter medicine which makes us nauseated–because it is to make us well. We thank any man who does us a good turn; and shall we not be thankful to God–who makesĀ everythingĀ work for good to us?
God loves a thankful Christian!Ā Job thanked GodĀ when He took all away:Ā “The Lord has taken away–blessed be the name of the Lord!” Job 1:21. Many will thank God when HeĀ gives; Job thanks Him when HeĀ takes away, because he knew that God would work good out of it.
We read of saints withĀ harpsĀ in their hands–an emblem of praise. Revelation 14:2. Yet we meet many Christians who haveĀ tearsĀ in their eyes, andĀ complaintsĀ in their mouths! But there are few with their harps in their hands–whoĀ praise God in affliction.
To beĀ thankful in affliction–is a work peculiar to a saint.Ā
Every bird can sing in spring–but few birds will sing in the dead of winter!Ā
Everyone, almost, can be thankful inĀ prosperity–but a true saint can be thankful inĀ adversity!Ā
Well may we, in theĀ worstĀ that befalls us, have a psalm of thankfulness–because God works all things together for our good.Ā Oh, be much in giving thanks to God!
Ā Ā ~Ā ~Ā ~Ā ~
And did the Holy and the Just,
The Sovereign of the skies,
Stoop down to wretchedness and dust,
That guilty worms might rise?
Yes, the Redeemer left His throne,
His radiant throne on high,
(Surprising mercy! love unknown!)
To suffer, bleed, and die!
He took the dying traitor’s place,
And suffered in his stead;
ForĀ manĀ (O miracle of grace!)
ForĀ man, the Savior bled!
Dear Lord, what heavenly wonders dwell
In Your atoning blood!
By this are sinners snatched from Hell,Ā
And rebels brought to God!
What glad return can I impart
For favors so divine?
O take my all, this worthless heart,
And make it wholly Thine!
Ā Ā Anne Steele, 1859
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