Grateful!

Grateful!

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalms 107:1 KJV

Almost all Bible editions label the whole chapter of Psalm (107) under consideration a psalm of praise, which is defined as 'express warm approval or admiration of a person or thing, or the expression of one's respect and gratitude towards a deity, especially in song. First lesson: you cannot be non expressive or pretty quiet where praise is involved. When someone has done anything of value to you, you really cannot be quiet and still claim that you are grateful. Yu may ask, but God knows everything, so I really do not need to say anything. However, God has made it clear that He inhabits the praise of His people, so my first and foremost priority must be to offer to God that which He asks for. If He does not hear it, and man also cannot testify about it, can God really confirm it? 

And one reason for my actions will be because God is good. There are several other reasons, but this one is sufficient for our purpose today. The reality that surrounds me may say otherwise, but God is good. There may be evil in the land, but God is good. There may be sickness and death, but God is good. You really need to know this God on a personal basis, and not depend only on what people tell you or circumstances dictate. He is a good God, no matter what goes on around me. How do I know: the fact that I am alive today is the loudest testimony to the fact that God is good. In Eden at creation, God testified that ALL He made was very good. Sin became the channel of evil and ticket to hell, but His goodness will not let me go. Even when I rejected Him, He still held out His hands, so I could run to Him. And throughout all creation, He keeps on doing that which his nature supports and suggests, which is good. 

And the part about his mercy enduring forever is another reason why I am standing here. Right from Eden, a plan for my salvation was laid out clearly. It took quite some centuries before the plan was physically manifest and put into effect, yet all through the centuries as we waited, He didn't strike all of mankind dead. He still sent His sun and rain on all of mankind, even when He knows that all of man's thoughts are wicked. That is why He is God, not man, and why He deserves all our thanks, worship and adoration. It is by His mercy we exist, and it is His mercy that opens the door wide for us to enter in. 

No matter what has gone wrong before now, I am grateful for where I stand now. Things may be pretty difficult right now, but I rejoice in the knowledge that God has me in mind and that His plans and purposes will not and cannot fail. These are just a few of the reasons why I rejoice, and the reason why I know it will end well. As I wait, I praise. As I wait, I rejoice. What of you? His time of favour is here.