It isn’t always easy to be thankful. Thousands of families here in Puerto Rico still have blue tarps over their roofs (me included) since hurricane Maria made landfall in September, 2017. Though millions of dollars were allocated for repairs and for assistance, most of those funds ‘disappeared’ through the hands of government channels. This past year, we began the year with a series of earthquakes and tremors (January 7th) on the south side of the island. Homeowners there are still waiting for their assistance. Just a little over two months later, the pandemic struck, and we’re still in hurricane season.
Hundreds of thousands of lives have been impacted by the Covid-19 virus. Thousands have lost their parents, siblings, their children, or friends. Life has been exceptionally tough for all of us. Yet, as long as we have breath, we’re commanded to praise God. Psalm 150 verse 6 reads: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD (Yah). Praise ye the LORD.” For all that’s happened this year, this is the time more than ever, to be thankful.
God is worthy of all praise and honor, and that is independent of our situation. It has been said there are two times when we ought to praise God: When we feel like it and when we don’t. There are thousands of Christians worldwide suffering and others being tortured for their belief in the one true living God. Hundreds of thousands have little to eat, some have nowhere to sleep, while others have little to wear.
Some among the elderly in particular, live in Siberia where winters are brutal and they’re expected to survive on less than $100.00 monthly, some only on $30.00. The worst is living all alone. If you’re alone, know that God said (to Joshua), “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee (Joshua 1:5 and Hebrews 13:5). That applies to us as well. Are you finding yourself far and distant from God as if He doesn’t hear you or even exist?” Be reassured that He is there! In the Bible, a man named Job (Job 23:8-10) experienced a similar feeling. Read his words: “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he does work, but I cannot behold him: he hides himself on the right hand that I cannot see him: But he knows the way I should take: when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” God is a God who hides, yet he’s always there though we may not see Him. He knows what’s best for you, follow Him.
But, how do I open a line of communication, you ask? Romans 10:13 tells us: “whosoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” So go on, call Him and ask Him to put His arms around you. Ask Him to envelop you with His warmth and with His love. Guaranteed you’ll feel His presence!
We are to be thankful not because we may have lost a loved one or because of hardship. But in spite of those situation. Unfortunately, those things will happen. God knows those things cause us pain and heartbreak. He understands our pain and sorrows. Which is why He’s chosen a date and time in the which He shall return to make ALL things right; and He will! He hasn’t revealed that info to anyone, so don’t be fooled by those who claim to know. It’ll be here before you know it. The thing is to be ready!
So, in the midst of hardship and uncertainty, may you all have a great and blessed day of Thanksgiving-whether or not you have health, have food, have a job, have a home, companionship, or have suffered loss or gain. God is above all things. Christ is all, and in all (Colossians 3:11b).
Sam