"Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness." (Psalms 107:1-2, 5-9 NKJV)
You who are going through the trial of a lifetime - give praise to The LORD! Worship The LORD in Holiness! True worship is obedience! Obedience to His Word! Submission to His authority! Compliance! Surrender of your will, to His!
"Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons— Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High, Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalms 107:10-15 NKJV)
"Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing." (Psalms 107:22 NKJV)
"For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two. Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalms 107:16-21 NKJV)
It is very easy to give thanks when things are going well! But we are to rejoice in all things! When the bottom falls out, and we instinctively give thanks and rejoice, it gives witness to "whom" we believe! Not just words but a knowing in our heart of hearts that He IS and is in control!
"Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing."
(Psalms 107:22 NKJV)
"Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, They see the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalms 107:23-31 NKJV)
We can give thanks to The LORD, because He knows the beginning to the end, and we have confidence He IS working all things out for our good!
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."(Psalms 107:1 NKJV) "Let the redeemed of The LORD say so!" Say what? That we are redeemed? No! That His mercy endures forever!
All that we are going through has one purpose - to bring us to Him! To make us into His image! To make us holy! When we finally cry out to Him, He's there! When we submit, when we surrender all, He surrounds us with His love! At that point our soul sings praises to His Holy Name without reservation!
However, we are commanded to praise Him in the midst of the storm! In doing so we are taking our eyes off of our situation and keeping our focus on Him! Grumbling and complaining either in our hearts or with our mouth just keeps us rooted in our storm! It is sin! He will leave you there forty years and even let you perish there, unless you turn in repentance! Humble yourself or He will humble you, for all knees will bow to Him!
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalms 107:1 NKJV)
Forever!
Eternity!
It's NOT about here and now, but about Eternity with Him, The Lover of your soul!
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 1/23/15, 9/12/15, 9/5/16
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