Thankfulness

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I believe our culture still values the idea of being thankful, but at a very superficial level. Children are still taught manners. Saying "please" and "thank you" is generally respected in our culture. However, when you say thank you, does it actually mean anything to you beyond doing it because that is the norm?

I know I go through the motions. God gives us so much. 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)

I do think it's stupid for people to pretend and be fake. I know there are circumstances that just suck. There's a time to mourn. There's a time to rejoice. The Factor that remains the same and does not ever change, is God. So naturally that means even when our circumstances are miserable, we still have something to be thankful for. He's still there and He still provides even when we do not see it. I always think it's pretty neat to look back at circumstances and see how God was present. 

I heard in a sermon the other day how in our trials we cry out to God and ask why He doesn't take it away or why we seem to go through it again and again. And again. Well, infants need many chances to try and walk. A good father lets his child have those opportunities. We don't fall because of Him, but because we haven't learned to walk yet. He doesn't leave us, He's there to protect us; but He does give us the chance (or chances) to learn how to walk. Many would say when life is good, it is much easier to give thanks. I would say it can be easier, but is not always the case. Easiness is beside the point anyway.

I would go as far to say that in difficulty, we see what thankfulness is more clearly. When everything is fine and dandy, taking things for granted seems to be a common reaction. Like walking or being able to speak. I would project that when we go through trials, it forces to look to God because nothing else will sustain us. How do we grow in our faith if our faith is never tested? It's absolutely stupid for teachers to never assess their students. Assessment gives an indication of where the students are at academically. Our faith needs to be tested. It validates what we know and what we don't know. If we have no idea where we are at in our walk, how can we be intentional with what we do? 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

This verse makes no sense if God is only here to pull us out of difficulty. He grows us. My encouragement to you is to please, please not be blindsided by all the blessings God has given you. When life is great, don't take it for granted. When life is hard, consider it joy because you might actually be able to see what God is doing more clearly that when it is easy. 

Writing out a list of things I'm thankful for (or at least, should be) would be way too large. Let God know what you're thankful for, I'm sure He would love to hear. I will say thanks to God for dying for me and giving eternal life. And for my beautiful, wonderful fiancé. Those are a couple of my favorites. :) 

-Jake