Give Thanks in Everything

A Word of Truth #050  

“Thank You, God for nothing” …for “nothing?” That is exactly what the Old Testament believer, Job, did when he lost everything and said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10).

The apostle Paul wrote, “Give thanks in everything!” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Giving thanks in everything includes giving thanks when there is nothing. Job knew that everything he had was a gift from God given to him out of God’s grace and wisdom. When Job lost everything, he trusted that it was the same grace and wisdom of God that had allowed his loss to occur.

God is not graciously guiding our lives and providing for us only when He is giving us something. When He decides to take away, or to not give at all, He is still our gracious God.

When we believe God’s promise that He is the one in control of our lives, giving and taking as His wisdom dictates, then we can truly give thanks in EVERYTHING…even when there is NOTHING.

Trust in the Lord Brings Peace

A Word of Truth #051  

To whom do you look for help? In whom do you place your trust? People answer those questions in different ways. If they place their trust or hope for help in other people or in things, however, they will ultimately be very disappointed. All human beings are limited, and in the end all materials things perish. The true source of unending help and the ultimate object of our trust must always be our God! He has unlimited power and love and promises to help us. He alone provides us with absolute peace of heart and mind.

St. Paul urges us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).