“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15
I sat in a church service today and wanted to take part but couldn’t. Opportunity was given for words of thanks and I struggled to find Scripture to carry it for me.
The verse I wanted, but couldn’t find at the time, was the one in which the Pharisees tell Jesus that His disciples, and the others with them, are overdoing their thankfulness. Jesus’ answered that those rejoicing with thankfulness can’t help themselves.
Am I overwhelming in my thankfulness to Him? I need to be.
My other “thankfulness” issue is an offshoot of the age of sensivity in which I live. Can rejoicing be offensive to those who are less fortunate? If I am thankful for someone whose health has returned, am I being inconsiderate of someone who still has health issues? Is my praise for a child getting into college an unpleasant reminder to someone whose children can’t go to college?
Today’s chosen verses have given me a clearer head on thankfulness. The Word of God is powerful!
I have much to be thankful for. My “thankful” notebook is still nearby and there is a regular flow of entries. I must never miss God’s workings in my midst.
The Romans 12:15 verse helped me think through the insensitivity “issue.” If I am in right relationship to God I can rejoice when I have nothing to rejoice about. I can also mourn when there is nothing in my life that is mournful. I can do either if my mind is detached from ME. If I am wrapped up in ME than others are judged by how they impact ME. If I am wrapped up in GOD then I can, in His strength, do what HE wants me to do in every setting. The Romans verse is a command……..not a suggestion: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” My inability to do either or both, based on my own conditions, is the first chapter in Selfishness 101!
So, there are plenty of reasons to be thankful. I must notice them. I must mention them.
So, I must be willing to end my self-centeredness and, in His strength, take part in the rejoicing (thankfulness) of those who are rejoicing.
“Lord, You have much to teach me……..and I have so much to learn. Be patient with me, Father. Reveal Scripture to me as You have today that will clarify what You want from me. I want to do what You want me doing as well as to stop doing the things that displease You. Guide me, I beg. Prick my conscience when I am violating Your Ways. I love You, Lord.”
Are your sins forgiven?
+12 Steady
Sunrise April 4, 2015
His Word For Me 