Alternative View - July 6, 2017
No Shifting Shadows
In His Presence: “Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude” (1 Timothy 4:4).
What looks like a closed door to you is God’s pathway to blessing. What appears to be a nightmare can become His dream for your life. And what may seem like the worst news you could possibly receive can actually be the point of a new beginning. This is because no matter what God allows to touch your life, He has a plan for your future through it.
It is easy to think of God’s goodness in a lighthearted way when it seems that we have everything going for us—a good job, health, a growing family, two new cars in the garage, and a house with several bedrooms. Life seems rich and full. But if we never learn to say “thank you” to the Lord, then we have not learned the truth of James 1:17. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”
There are two extremes that can prevent us from living with grateful hearts. One is a sense of pride. We become prideful and believe that we have earned all that we have. When we have this attitude, we can expect to run headlong into trouble (Proverbs 16:18).
The second extreme comes as a result of feeling sorry for ourselves. While the temptation to be sorrowful—and even depressed—may pull at our hearts at times, we need to refuse it by turning our eyes heavenward. With a grateful heart we should say, “Thank You, Lord. I’m hurting, and I know You understand. I don’t know how You will use this heartache that I am feeling, but I trust You to do just that—use it for Your glory and for my blessing.”
God loves to hear our words of worship and praise. When we thank Him—even in times of difficulty—for His constant care over our lives, we are expressing our faith and trust in an omnipotent God who watches over every aspect of our lives.
One Minute Please
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, be grateful that the light of His love covers you.
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