This season of the year is exciting for my friends in the southern hemisphere because they are welcoming the new life of spring. Trees are clothed in fresh new leaves, flowers are budding with brilliant colors, and birds sing familiar songs again. I am glad for my friends enjoying this exciting time of the year. I live in the northern hemisphere, so our trees have shed their leaves for this year and most of the birds in my backyard flew south just in time. Harvest has ended in the farm fields, and the schedule has slowed a bit, giving way to times of reflection.
Today I am reflecting on the words of Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Christians seek to live life daily under the Lordship of Christ; it is a priority for every word spoken and deed done throughout the day. Thankfulness to God our Creator must also be a priority for us.
Several years ago a magazine publisher invited celebrities to make a wish. An architect wished for a new greenhouse. A writer wished for his health. An actress wished for a zebra. A wise old movie star responded, “I wish I could have a greater ability to appreciate all that I now have.” I resonate with that last wish as I reflect on Colossians 3:17. Often our thankfulness has an eye toward the future as we anticipate even greater blessings in the days ahead. True thanks, however, focuses attention on praising God for who He is and what He has done in our lives without wishing for more.
Times of thankful reflection bring a long list of blessings to mind which often go unnoticed. We thank God for each one of them. Unfortunately, many of my friends have endured extreme difficulties this past year. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships impede their ability to ponder blessings. In our own way, however, we must all learn to refocus our attention on God and His presence with us even in difficult circumstances.
Sometimes refocusing our perspective helps. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), a Bible commentator, illustrated a unique perspective about his circumstances as he commented on being mugged and robbed. “1. What reason have I to be thankful to God, that having travelled so much, yet I was never robbed before now. 2. What abundance of evil this love of money is the root of, that four men should venture their lives and souls for about half-a-crown a-piece. 3. See the power of Satan working in the children of disobedience. 4. The vanity of worldly wealth — how soon we may be stripped of it, how loose we ought to [hold] it.”
Most importantly, we must always be thankful for a God who loves us immeasurably and delights in enjoying company with us. Samuel Cavert had it right when he said, “The worst moment for an atheist is when he feels grateful and has no one to thank.” We know Who to thank and live in eternal gratitude to Him every day of our lives.
Frank Moore
General Editor
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