Psalm 100, a song of thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness to His people, is one of the most well-known and often recited of the psalms. In verses 4-5 the psalmist wrote “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name. For the Lord He is good…”
As I read this Psalm, I’m reminded of the many good things that come my way. The experiences that I may consider to be a blessing are far too numerable for me to count. There is no doubt but that each one comes from God; therefore, I must ask myself this question: “Am I truly thankful for all that God has given me; and am I mindful from whom every blessing comes?”
We live in a world where we see many things as a mere coincidence. After all, we live in a world of natural and physical law. Seasons come and seasons go. Natural changing of the seasons is something that we come to expect, thus we often take such things for granted.
Something I have learned from the Scripture is that the rain falls upon the just and the unjust alike; but we are also told that “Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).
How many times do we curse the wind, rather than setting the sail? Or how many times do we curse the darkness, rather than lighting a candle?
Our ignorance as to the “why” and “wherefore” cause us to react differently than we should. It is easier to see the bad rather than the good, and we are also told, “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
However, I cannot see the future, but God can. Therefore, I must rest fully upon the promise, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8: 28).
So, the next time things don’t go as planned, and you wonder whether or not the situation is good or bad, know that God is in control; and remember to say, “Thanks, Lord, I needed that,” and bless His name; for He is worthy of your praise.
Jerry L. Dunn is pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church, 605 E. Oak Street, Kingman.
