Are you weary of all that is going on in America today? We have ended another tumultuous election season that seems to further divide our nation. We are living in a time of confusion and denial. Newly elected officials have repackaged Jesus as gay, non-binary, feminist, etc., while watering down the truths of the Word of God. Others are intent on removing all influences of Christianity in addition to erasing American history and culture.
However, we know as followers of Christ, that none of this surprises God. He is in control. He has a plan. He tells us that in Isaiah 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”
As uncomfortable as it is to acknowledge, the apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 that in the last days there will be a wave of apostasy, a falling away or departure from a standard of truth. He warns us to be aware and to not be deceived.
If you might be feeling low, overwhelmed or unsure about the future, we encourage you to take time to dig into Scripture. One of the most vital things we can do in uncertain times is have an eternal perspective about national and world events.
“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.” (Psalm 103:19)
In the meantime, there is still time to share the truth of God’s Word and to reach our world for Jesus Christ. Now is the day of salvation, now is the time to repent! Paul told Timothy to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine,” (2 Timothy 4:2). We should be doing this, too.
Looking forward to Thanksgiving later this month, today is the perfect time to reflect on all that God has done, is doing and will do in the future. With this perspective, how can we not respond in thanks and gratitude to our Heavenly Father?
Psalm 136 is a Psalm of thanksgiving which begins with the verse: “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever,” Psalm 136:1. Further, every verse in this Psalm concludes with the phrase, “for his mercy endureth forever.
The word “mercy” is especially significant when used in the Psalms, for it indicates God’s love for His people. He has made a covenant relationship with us, and He is faithful to that covenant
Jesus Himself expressed thanks to His Heavenly Father. As part of His prayer when He raised Lazarus from the dead, He said, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me” (John 11:41). At the Last Supper, He took time to give thanks for the elements of the first Communion service (Matthew 26:27), although He was just hours from the events that would ultimately lead to His death on our behalf.
No matter how bad times are—as a whole, or for us as individuals—we can find something about which we can express our thanks to God. If nothing else, we can be thankful that He has led us by His Holy Spirit into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ that has provided us with an eternal home in glory. We can thank Him for the opportunity of living in a nation that allows us the freedom to vote. We can thank Him for family and friends who reflect His love for us. May we be mindful of these things.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.