Give Thanks to the Lord!
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 106:1; 107:1; 118:1, 29; 136:1 KJV). These are the words of the Bible that perhaps many of us have in our minds and our hearts this season. Our God is a good God! Praise the Lord!
We ought to come with humble thanks for all his mercies that have been given us all through the year, and we should be enjoying the sunshine of His golden blessings that have crowned the year with plenty. When God pours His blessings into our hearts, we should not hide them as we would precious perfume, lest the aroma escape; we should bestow them upon those around us so that they may also be happy and thankful. We have reason for coming into the courts of the Lord with offerings of gratitude that He has preserved our lives another year, and we praise Him for it!
As the children of the Almighty, we should individually aim for a higher and holier standard. The mind will surely become degraded if it is continually occupied with worldly and temporary things. But if trained to dwell upon heavenly, eternal themes, it will be expanded, elevated, and strengthened. The mind should take hold of things unseen and meditate on them; then things of eternal interest will be so exalted above the worldly that temporal affairs will sink into insignificance in comparison. If we do not regard divine things as of high value and neglect to train the mind to prize eternal things more than worldly things, then we lose valuable experience. We might fail to receive the wisdom God has brought within our reach.
Suppose we change this order of things and begin today to train the thoughts to dwell upon the great plan of salvation, devoting less time to self-serving. Let’s suppose you try to count all your blessings. You have thought so little upon them, and they have been so continual that when reverses or afflictions come, you are grieved and think God is unjust. Really? Have you ever wondered why it is so? Perhaps you do not call to mind how little gratitude you have manifested for all the blessings of God. Maybe you have not deserved them, but because they have flowed in upon you day by day, year by year, you have looked upon them as a matter of course, thinking it was your right to receive every advantage and give nothing in return. “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1–5 KJV). What a passage!
Another thing to consider: the Lord sometimes withdraws His mercies to bring people to their senses. Will we make it necessary in our case for Him to do so? Let us look completely away from your own trials and difficulties. Let us cease to magnify our little grievances and put all thoughts of ourselves out of your heart. We better cease self-service and serve the only true and living God. Let His precious melody continue to remain in our hearts, and His praises be on our lips!
The blessings of God are more than stars in the sky and more than the sands of the seashore. Think about His love and care for us, and may it inspire us with love that trials cannot interrupt nor afflictions disturb. May the Lord be praised and glorified. As the old hymn goes, “To God be the glory, great things He has done!”
Dear Reader, soon we shall know as we are known. If there are any who have had wrong feelings of jealousy, now is the time to confess them. God, help us to humble our proud hearts and bring Jesus into our midst. Please open the door of your hearts and let the Holy Spirit enter, and you will have such a Thanksgiving as you never experienced before. God Bless You!
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Pastor Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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