Flea-bitten Thanks

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His loves endures forever.”  Psalm 136:1

 

I’ll admit it.  I have been guilty.  I have felt sorry for myself.  I have hosted a pity party, invited myself and sat down for scones and crumpets.  There are days that things to feel grateful for are a little hard to think of.  Ever been there?

But of course it is a lie from the devil.  There is always countless things to be grateful for.  Elementary things- such as air to breathe, food to eat, clean water and a warm, dry, place to sleep.  There are spiritual things- salvation, peace, joy and grace.  There are relational things- parents, a spouse, children, grandparents, friends and coworkers.  There are emotional things- the love of God, love of family, emotional support, and affirming words.  There are material things- a home, a car, clothing, jewelry, vacations and dinners out.  The lists and categories go on forever.  All of these things are opportunities to practice “an attitude of gratitude.”

But even in the worst of circumstances- in sickness, divorce, bankruptcy, and betrayal- God is still good.  And therefore, he is worthy of giving thanks to.  I once read the story of Corrie Ten Boom, the author of The Hiding Place. She tells about her imprisonment for protecting Jews during the Holocaust.  She looked for ways to be thankful even during the horrors of torture.  They were so radical in their thanks, that they even decided to be thankful for the fleas in their room.  Fleas that tormented and bit them.  They were determined to be thankful, and later found out the guards seldom searched their room, because of the fleas.  This left them free to pray and study the Bible together.  Even in the worst of circumstances, we can rejoice in the fact that a good God is watching over us and will ultimately work to help us.

Give thanks to God simply because He is good.  And most importantly because His love endures forever.  Where would you be without the love of God?  Alone in the world with no hope for this life or the life to come! But thank God, He appeared and demonstrated His love toward us on Calvary where He shed his blood for you and me.  Give thanks to the Lord for that sacrificial, enduring love.

Thank you Lord, most of all, for your love and goodness toward me.  Without it I would be consumed.  Thank you Jesus!

Sherri