The last verse of Psalm 50 reiterates this powerful truth of thanksgiving: “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me and prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” (NIV)
How often have I blocked God’s help by a rebellious heart, by an unthankful attitude? By my complaining rather than trusting?
This truth of Psalm 5f0:23 is a vital one for us in this difficult Middle Eastern country we lived in as we are continually faced with attacks of all kinds from the enemy. But in giving the “sacrifices of thanksgiving” we can open the way so God can turn these seeming defeats into victories—something we have seen happen often.
Like the time our 6 year old went to the corner grocery store to buy bread (a very common practice here) but didn’t come home! We thanked God for what He was doing in this crisis, and looked for him but no success. Then there came a knock on the door and there stood the daughter of the janitor of our former apartment building. She said she found him a mile down the hill still looking to buy bread! This happening reopened our relationship with that family—God had a purpose and a plan.
When we trust, that brings glory to Him instead of to us. When we give thanks, we express our faith in God’s wisdom in allowing this situation and in His power to straighten it out!
Prayer: “Lord, lift my eyes and thoughts to you when difficulties come. Help me to remember to give thanks for what I don’t like so I can give you glory and cooperate with you in bringing your desired outcomes. Amen.”