JUNE 25; GIVING GOD THANKS IN EVERYTHING

1 Thessalonians 5:18 'In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’

DAILY READING;           1 Thessalonians 1; Isaiah 11-13; Psalm 112

The Thirty Years’ War was a 17th-century religious war between the Protestants and the Catholics in central Europe. It remains one of the longest and most brutal wars in human history, with more than 8 million casualties resulting from military battles as well as from the famine and disease caused by the conflict. The war lasted from 1618 to 1648, However, out of this war came one of the most glorious hymns sung today, which was as a result of one Pastor’s decision to give God thanks in everything, even in the face of difficulties.

Martin Rinkart was the pastor in his native town of Eilenburg, when the war broke out. Their little town suffered severely in the war, with the influx of refugees bringing plagues that ravaged their town four times, killing many people.

Martin Rinkart was one of the only surviving pastors in the town and he sometimes had to conduct funerals for 50 persons in one day. The plague was followed by a famine that caused residents of their town to endure many horrors.  Yet through it all, Rinkart stood by his flock, he was a faithful, caring pastor who attended to the needs of the sick and the hungry.  Despite the desperate situation, Rinkart always looked to his Savior, thanking God for the blessings he still had.

And even in the midst of the hardship, he penned a hymn from his meditations on Ecclesiasticus 50:22, which says “Now bless ye the God of all, Who everywhere doeth great things, Who exalteth our days from the womb and dealeth with us according to His mercy.’

This hymn, titled “Now Thank We All Our God” became very popular and after the war, it was sung during national events. It etched Martin Rinkart’s name in history and today it remains the most widely sung hymn in Germany. It has also been translated to many languages and is sung around the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’

We all face difficult situations in life. No one on earth is exempt from trials. But despite the difficult times, we have to deliberately make gratitude our attitude. We have to make it a habit to thank God in all things. We have to learn to exalt God above our circumstances.

Regardless of your current situation, always keep your focus on God’s faithfulness. And as you keep blessing Him at all times, God will surely turn things around for your good and to His glory.

Romans 8:18 says ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us’

In other words your sufferings will not be in vain. It will culminate in greater Glory in the end. The difficulties you are passing through are only preparing you for something better.

This is why you must hold on to God’s Word, no matter how fierce any battle.  We don’t thank God for trials, we thank Him in them. We should have the attitude that says, “No matter what’s happening, I’m going to choose to be grateful to God.’

The truth is that God is always faithful. If we look back at our lives, at past trials, we will see that despite all we passed through, God’s grace has always brought us through.

Do you remember those times when you thought you wouldn’t make it? Remember the times when money was low and it seemed there was no help in sight? Remember that medical report that looked like it was the end of you?  Yet in the midst of those trials, God had showed up and delivered you.

Indeed despite all you have been through, look at what the Lord has done in your life! In spite of the obstacles and the opposition He has blessed and taken care of you.

And therefore no matter what you pass through today, the same God is available to again give you the victory. This is why we praise in all things. Because His grace and mercy never runs out, they are new every morning.

And as you give thanks in everything, you will see God’s hand move mightily on your behalf. He will turn your mourning into dancing and give you all round victory.

PRAYER: Father, today I choose to give You thanks in all things! And no matter how difficult things may sometimes seem, I thank You because I know You are at work in my life and Your Glory is being revealed through me in  Jesus Name.

QUOTE

God’s promises in Christ in your life may appear delayed, but never forget that delays are not denials.  WORDBITE 222

#RHOGIC #Apostle Goodheart

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