The Watchman's Diary

Job 14:1 says, “A mortal born of woman, is of few days and full of turmoil”. As so many of us in the United States prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we are already sharing what we are thankful for at office parties, among friends, in our congregations, and elsewhere. In a nation of such abundance, we do have much to give thanks for. Many of us count our blessings based on what we have achieved or acquired and are gleeful to say how blessed we are. Yet, the world is full of turmoil and our technologically connected world brings it closer to our reality each moment. For some of us, the problem is a blessing others would love to have. Our worldview may be upside down when compared to another person’s needs, desires, and expectations. No matter our circumstances, we would do well to recognize that neither the blessings nor the help we seek is of our own making.

We often fail to give God the glory for those very blessings we talk about and in so doing we fail to glorify Him with it. The question is, can we maintain that same attitude of gratitude when difficult times come? In a world full of turmoil, it may only be a matter of time before that turmoil hits home. It can challenge our faith and our worldview. It can test the firmness of our foundation and the bond that hold families together.

How we make it through these difficult times can determine how much the next test will impact us and the extent of our faith and spiritual growth. We must recognize early on that our help is from the Lord and is not of our own making. Our strength, wealth, wisdom, and devices. it is always wise to look to the heavens and cry, Lord, help me! Our hearts’ attitude should always be in that state no matter what because our help comes from Him only. When we feel blessed, we should cry Lord, help me to glorify you with these blessings. When are in need, we should cry Lord fill my need, and when we have complete peace we should cry Lord help me to keep my eyes on you!

No matter what, we must remain in a state of thankfulness and complete dependence on the Lord.