When the machinery of our lives runs smoothly, the sun is shining and life appears sweet and pleasant. However, when a “spanner is thrown into the works” and the machinery comes to a grinding halt, how do we view the inconveniences of life?
A friend related the following account: For a couple of weeks I had been experiencing a series of starting problems and breakdown of a “sick” car, resulting in the production of further problems as I endeavoured to meet my busy schedules of daily work and family life. One particular day when the said car, yet again, would not start, I erupted in exasperation, to my spouse, all my negative feelings towards the offending vehicle.
My beloved spouse, who had made arrangements to get the vehicle repaired, challenged me regarding my negative outburst and the power of the tongue. I had surrendered God’s presence to the situation, and lost His peace within over my attitude to the car. James chapter 3 has a great deal to say about the unruly member, the tongue. Verse 10 records, “Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. Brethren, these things ought not to be.”
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul teaches us, “IN everything give thanks for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus, concerning you.” The word declares….IN EVERYTHING….not FOR everything….give thanks. In the midst of our trials and difficulties we can have a thankful heart and choose to believe that God is in control for, “His kingdom rules over all.” He never vacates His throne!
The offending car mentioned earlier was duly booked into a garage and repaired. Life is full of learning curves as we embrace our lessons and deal with adverse circumstances. In all these areas we can learn to glorify God.
Romans 1:21 “When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God NEITHER WERE THEY THANKFUL, but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish hearts were darkened.” How kind the Lord is to record this warning for us. According to this scripture, the consequence of an unthankful heart is that it becomes darkened by it’s foolish ways! The loving kindness of God leads me through conviction to repentance, then restores peace and harmony with Him once more.
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:8 records, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”
HEART PURITY IS SEEING GOD IN ALL THINGS.
Do I see Him in every situation or only whatever I consider to be a blessing, the positive. God is all, in all. Remember that blessings often come in disguise. May the Lord grant me discernment to recognise Him when He comes to me in the lessons of life.
