We have much to be thankful for this year. Many might disagree with all that is going on, however, in James 1 vv. 2 and 3, we find advice from this Apostle to consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Do you find it hard when trouble finds you, to be joyful? Consider this story from Bestie ten Boom, sister to Corrie.
https://deeprootsathome.com/betsie-and-the-fleas/
I believe that faith is the issue here. As mentioned in my last Bible Study post, everything you have comes from above. This pearl of truth comes from John the Baptist in John 3:27. The ruling class of that day rejected that truth, just as our own ruling class has rejected it today. Solomon absolutely nailed it when he said there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecc 1:9) So, 2000 years later, or in the case of Solomon, almost 3000 years later, we as God’s creatures have not changed one bit. Still not wanting to believe or even be thankful to the One who has given us our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11) Our local Caesar has outright banned Thanksgiving this year, for anyone outside your home.
Saturday, Nov. 21 through Friday, Dec. 18, Executive Order 20-99 requires all Minnesotans to:
* Limit social gatherings to one household.
* Not gather outside of your household.
* Postpone all celebrations, events, receptions, and parties, including any social gatherings for weddings and funerals.
He doesn’t seem very thankful to me. As I said, faith is the issue. Do you have faith in Man or God? Much of this beleaguered land seems to have chosen poorly.
My daily reading of the scripture has brought me to Psalm 139. David, the author of this Psalm and a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) says something that I think most of us have forgotten or have just plain rejected. I think it is the absolute key Psalm for what ails the nation. Everything that is wrong with this country could be fixed with understanding and belief in this Psalm. Read it and bolster your faith and trust in God and truly be thankful. His arms are indeed not too short. (Isaiah 59:1)
Psalm 139
1 Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up;
You understand my thought from far away.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, Lord, You know it all.
5 You have encircled me behind and in front,
And placed Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take up the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will take hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For You created my innermost parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully formed in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my formless substance;
And in Your book were written
All the days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.
19 If only You would put the wicked to death, God;
Leave me, you men of bloodshed.
20 For they speak against You wickedly,
And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate You, Lord?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there is any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.