The Watchman's Diary

Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples (Psalms 105:1 NKJV).

I’m often guilty of not sharing how God has worked in my life, even after He answers my prayers. I was permitted the opportunity over the past few weeks to hear others share their testimonies and to share some of what God has done in my life.  I have also seen how we often neglect the work of God; ascribing much of what happens either to our own strength or the work of other people.

The Psalmist tells us to:

1. Give thanks to the Lord
2. Call upon His Name
3. Make known His deeds

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4 to rejoice in the Lord; to let our gentleness be known to all men; to be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

The themes here are the same.  We are called to first give thanks to God, to call upon his name, and to testify of His deeds, which are all good.  Yet so many times we only call upon his name and only when all else seem to evade us.  As I examine my own actions, I also implore you to do the same.  Do you give thanks in all circumstances and before calling upon God to bring you out of whatever difficulty you face? Do you recognize His hand in your life and share your testimony with others?

It is easy to find something to complain about; After all, this world is currently in the hands of the fallen one. But Christ has promised that he will never leave us nor forsake us.  If you know Him, you know that His words are true and His truth will comfort us at all times.

You are right, I do not know what you are dealing with. I do not know what challenges you face nor do I share the same experiences you have. But God…………….He who created us is able to save us from all things and will cause all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:16).

We often seek answers from the natural world for things supernatural.  We employ a scientific mind for spiritual interventions and become discouraged when the answers seem too farfetched.  Our testimony may bare the answers someone else may be seeking.  Our testimony may be the vehicle which God has chosen to answer another person’s prayer or to reveal his grace, his mercy, and his love for us.  Do not be blinded by the obstacle that stands before you when greater things wait just beyond it.  Don’t allow your complaints to block the blessings that are set in place for you by God.  There is defeat and discouragement in complaints, especially when brought to the wrong source.  Only God can resolve the issues we face; it is Him, through the resources he provide that takes care of our needs.

So today as we tackle those things that have been plaguing us, let us remember to give thanks before we begin to complain.  Consider His grace when we bring those complaints to Him, and believe in your heart that he has already answered your prayer.  Leave your burdens at the foot of the cross and be patient; lift up your eyes to the horizon beyond the current obstacle and consider all His good works.