Many of us can testify to the faithfulness of the LORD, especially when we are in the valley of suffering. It is here that we are able to experience GOD's unfailing love in a very unique and powerful way. When the season of affliction ends, prayer is answered and we are back on level ground, do we remember to return and give thanks? The story of then Ten Lepers in Luke 17:11-19 tells of ten men who were healed, yet only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to give praise and thanks to Jesus.
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19
This is an interesting story. Where did the other nine go? Why was the foreigner the only one to return to Jesus with thanksgiving and praise in his mouth?
Today, in my quiet time, I meditated on Psalm 106. The Psalmist opens up with, “Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare His praise?” Psalm 106:1-2. Yet the rest of Psalm 106 sadly recounts the forgetful, idolatrous, apathetic, and rebellious response of the people to the GOD who worked miraculous deeds on their behalf. I was reminded to GIVE THANKS at all times, putting GOD first, even as my feet begin to settle on level ground.
“FATHER help us by the power of your HOLY SPIRIT to recall to mind your goodness, faithfulness and enduring love, as we go about our daily lives. May we constantly walk in a stance of thanksgiving and praise, bringing glory to Your Son JESUS CHRIST, in whose name we make this prayer. Amen.”
2 comments:
Isn't it always that way? It's almost like we need the valleys - as awful as they are - to remember our God - the one who hears us - the one who loves us.
Thank you for this much-needed reminder and GOD bless you!
Sometimes I wonder about that too. My prayer is that the LORD would allow me to glorify Him with the same intensity while out of the valley, walking on level ground. For me, glorifying Him begins in the privacy of our intimate times of devotion, and then pours out to our outer activities.
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