Giving Thanks in Trying Times

Recalling the good things that God has done, and will still do, can bring us into an atmosphere of praise and giving thanks.

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Learning to give thanks in all things is a challenge, isn’t it?  

As we restructure and rearrange some priorities, let’s not forget to be the first one to give thanks to God first.  If He is first in our lives, everything else falls and fits into place.  I didn’t say everything will be perfect.  We know that nothing will be perfect until we reach our eternal home, the home we call heaven.  

I found a Psalm that was written to the song “Do Not Destroy.”  So, what’s that?  It’s the name of a song and a prayer that was composed for God, the supreme Judge, to set right the affairs of men, judging the rulers who corrupt justice.  

As I researched, I learned that Psalm 75 was intended to be used by the choir in public worship. Many of the Psalms were used as praise songs and prayers. This particular one, Psalm 75, had a commentary that said:  “Asaph’s (a first temple musician) theme is God as the judge throughout history, and mankind’s plea to our holy Judge can only be, “Do Not Destroy.” 

What’s that have to do with giving thanks? What’s my point?  

Sometimes the things in our world that we see can keep us discouraged.  Discouragement can keep us from giving thanks.  

This specific song was composed when arrogant worldly powers were threatening Israel’s security. 

The purpose of bringing this type of prayer and song into the temple would be to keep the people reassured that God will not fail to call the arrogant to account.  

We all need reassurance at certain times in our life.  Things in the world around us can bring us down and make us uneasy about what lies ahead.  

Let’s learn from this musician how we can give thanks to God when worldly influence is trying to destroy us.  

As Asaph begins, he says, “We thank you O God!  We give thanks because you are near.  People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.”  Psalm 75: 1

Our God is always near.  

The next verse goes on to a prophetic word (either from the past or present), saying, 

“God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.” Psalm 75: 2 

Folks, if the things going on in our world are bringing you down, and it’s hard to thank God, hold on to this special verse.  No wonder the name of the song was entitled “Do Not Destroy!”  

He is reminding us that God is our judge, and the plea of mankind should be don’t destroy, and Lord have mercy!  

I can picture the people in the temple on their faces before God as they are singing and praying asking Him to bring justice and protection to their nation after they bring Him praise. 

The Psalmist continues and says, “It is God alone who judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall.”  Psalm 75: 7  

There is so much encouragement in just these couple of verses.  Let them settle within.  

We need to make a choice to give thanks, even if we see things going on around us and in our world that are troubling.  We need to agree with this last proclamation:  

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.”  Psalm 75: 9

Recalling the good things that God has done, and will still do, can bring us into an atmosphere of praise and giving thanks.  Stay focused on the goodness of God.  He is the Supreme Judge of all the earth.   

He Is So Worthy To Receive Our Thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving To You All.  Enjoy your time with family and friends!

 
 
Featured Image by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com

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