I love coffee. One of my favorite things to do is sit here in the morning, have my quiet time with God, and Drink coffee. As I have my quiet time with God, one thing that I often think about is just how blessed I am and how God is responsible for all of those blessings, right down to the smallest one. Take my coffee for example. Who would have ever thought that God would make a bean that you could roast, grind up, run hot water over it, and make something that is so enjoyable. And isn’t it amazing that He gave us such an intellect that someone would have ever thought to try doing that in the first place? I find that amazing. And that’s God.
I know that coffee is a very small thing and maybe you don’t even like coffee. But I’m sure that there are some small things that you do get a lot of enjoyment out of. And what about the not so small things? You have God to thank for every one of those things. James 1:17 says that every good thing we have comes from Him. We have a lot to be thankful for and most of us, if you ask us, would acknowledge that, with words anyway. But what if someone doesn’t ask us? Would they be able to tell, by our actions and attitudes, that we are thankful? At the time of this writing, this next Thursday is Thanksgiving but being thankful isn’t something we should just set aside one day for. For Christians especially, being thankful should be a way of life.
Those are the first two paragraphs from a Thanksgiving post I did a few years ago. What I said there is very true and it is certainly something to ponder and to live out and to encourage others to live out, which is what I was doing in that post. However, there is also danger in making statements like that, especially if you don’t take into account extenuating circumstances, as I may not have sufficiently done in that post. Many people are going through hard times, times that make them worry and may make them not feel very thankful. Then, they may feel guilt, because they don’t feel thankful enough for the good things in their life. Let’s talk about that a little.
Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). One should not just take those verses and try to apply them in a vacuum. You know, someone is worried and someone tells them “God said not to worry”. Thanks. That helps. You know what that does? It just makes them worry about the fact that they’re worrying. Jesus did say not to worry but, just like everything else He told us to do and not to do, if we could do it perfectly, His sacrifice would not have been necessary in the first place. In this fallen world in which we live, in these not yet glorified bodies, our spirit must war against our flesh. Our spirit, enlightened by His Spirit, does not want to worry. However, not worrying is a lesson that our flesh must learn. Romans 5:3-4 says “tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope”. In other words, we learn to have hope by enduring tribulation and experiencing Him walking with us through it. Paul said “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). You see, even Paul had to learn not to worry. We like to quote Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”, and that is absolutely true, but it isn’t like flipping a switch, the way some people portray it. It takes time and experience. He understands that. Nothing is wrong with you for worrying. This is a lesson that Paul learned. So did I, though I certainly don’t apply that lesson perfectly. And, if you continue to hold on to Him in the hard times, so will you.
I just mentioned that Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow, in Matthew 6:25-34, which was part of His Sermon on the Mount. You know what He said just a few verses before that, in verse 21? He said “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Where is His heart and, therefore, what is His Treasure? For some beautiful reflections concerning this, I would encourage you to read the post by my partner in ministry, Alaina Downen, entitled “Treasure”. You can find that here: Article: Treasure – By Alaina Downen
In the midst of hard times, it can be tempting to wonder where He is or if He cares. Despite what some may say, when you come to Him, He does not make all the bad things go away. However, I can tell you from a lot of personal experience that He will walk with you through the hard times and He will be the best friend you have ever had. I can also personally testify to the absolute Truth of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. He did not do what He willingly did for you on Calvary to then abandon you. You are His treasure. I would encourage you to spend some time reflecting on that this Holiday season. He loves you so much and, whatever you may be going through, hold on to Him. Ultimately, it will all be OK. Don’t worry about your worrying. Just do your best to trust in Him. As you too learn the truth of Romans 8:28 and otherwise get to know Him, you will worry less and will naturally begin to take more comfort in Him, to treasure Him as he already does you.
So, go have a cup of coffee with Him. Or tea or coke or whatever you like. Spend time with Him, in His Word and in prayer. Get to know Him, He Who treasured you so much that He gave you the most wonderful treasure anyone could ever receive, if you will receive it, the treasure of Himself. If you would like to know more about how to receive this treasure, please visit the “The Most Important Thing” section of this website. Rest in Him and His love and have a wonderful holiday season. May the peace that only He can give be with you.
