Give Thanks 

   “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107: 1) 

   Sometimes I get caught up in the turmoil of this world.  The evil that more and more seems to permeate virtually every aspect of society.  That is wrong; rather than complain about what is wrong I need to give thanks to God for all that is right.

   When reading the Acts of the Apostles I find that the early church didn’t  seem to be focused on the politics of the day as we are today.  They were focused on Christ and all He had done for them.  They gave thanks to God even when they were persecuted and even martyred by the prevailing powers.  Their life revolved around the blessings of God rather than the problems of a sinful, godless society.

   Today we face much the same.  The people, the governments, even some in the Church, are determined to destroy faith in God just as Saul was determined to destroy the early Christians.  The fact that Saul became Paul, one of the greatest evangelists who ever lived gives me hope.  If one who so hated the ways of Christ could be converted there is also hope for today.

   Trouble has always existed in the world and it will continue to exist until our Lord comes again in glory.  We can’t change it, but we don’t have to accept it.  We can reject the evil and praise the good, giving thanks to God in all things.  Societies and governments come and go, but the Lord remains forever.

   We must remember and place our trust in the words of Christ, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16: 33).  Indeed, the war is won even though the battles continue.  Let us always look to the final victory to come and give all thanks and praise to God.