By Dr. Kerry Knight, Emerald Beach Church of Christ
“Thank you, Lord.” Does that statement seem odd when you consider the condition the world is in? I don’t think I need to explain. Let me just drop a few hints: Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and that doesn’t even include the various proxies that emanate from them. Everyone is on edge. What does the future hold? And yet the bible instructs us: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18). You see, gratitude helps us to trust the Lord when we don’t understand why. We need to trust God in the long game. He has a purpose for everything. That’s why He says, “rejoice always” (I Thessalonians 5:16). Thanksgiving is essential for overcoming our fears. In John 16:33 He says, “In the world you will have tribulation (trouble), but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” Our Lord is available in the past, present, and future.
He wants us to meditate on the good things that only He can provide. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything PRAISEWORTHY– meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
