Giving Thanks

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be sung to the tune "Do Not Destroy!" We thank You, O God! We give thanks because You are near. People everywhere tell of Your wonderful deeds. (Psalms 75:1 NLT)

Every day brings a new opportunity to give thanks.  God is always near.  He is always performing wonderful deeds.  The real question we need to ask ourselves is whether or not we like having God near.

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. Interlude "I warned the proud, 'Stop your boasting!' I told the wicked, 'Don't raise your fists! Don't raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.'" For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness—should raise a defiant fist. It is God alone who judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall. For the LORD holds a cup in His hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs. (Psalms 75:2-8 NLT)

It's great to think of God being near when we are walking with God.  It's not so great when we are trying to hide from Him.  Usually it's not our whole life that we try to hide from God.  It's just a part of it that we know He wouldn't like.  So, rather than facing Him and the consequences He brings, we hide from Him...at least that part of our lives.

The thing is, God wants us to have peace in every area of our life.  He wants us to enjoy being in His presence all the time.  He wants us to turn those places over to Him, receive forgiveness if we've sinned, and start enjoying the walk again.  What will you decide this thanksgiving season?  Will you hide from Him and live in fear?  Or will you turn every area of your life over to God and live giving thanks?

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. For God says, "I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly." (Psalms 75:9-10 NLT)