Talk Tuesday-Remember To Give Thanks

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.”

Talk Tuesday-The Power of Praise

I woke up on Monday with a terrible feeling of sadness. Sorrow's blanket had cloaked the sun from my heart and it's heaviness weighed me down. I sat up, picked up my journal and began to pour out my heart to the One who hears, sees, and knows all things-to the One whose mercy and love covers all my sin, burdens and pain. It is fitting to seek solace in the arms of the One who created us, for God our Father loves us beyond measure-Christ's nail pierced hands bear witness to this.

The Psalms reflect the many emotions of King David and the people of Israel, as they experienced trials throughout the journey of life. Yet even when they reflect despair they inevitably end by echoing songs of praise. By the second page of my letter to the Lord, I paused and thought, 'I have many things to give thanks for. Why don't I write them all out?' I immediately switched gears and began each new sentence with, 'Thank you for...'. I became lost in the task at hand, expressing thanks to my Father for each little and big blessing in my life. I had just finished writing two and half pages of thanksgiving when I suddenly realized that I felt better. The heaviness simply left! I was stunned, and frankly unable to remember the exact moment the sun pierced through the darkness of my heart.

The Psalmist writes, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God,' Psalm 43:5.

Yesterday I was reminded of the Power of Praise. GOD is enthroned in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). "It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night," Psalm 92:1-2.