“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
Welcome to the 23rd weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we learnt about God’s goodness and the need to praise and trust Him always.
On Monday, we were instructed to praise God not because of what He does for us but because of the revelation of what a perfect God He is (Revelations 4:11b). There is a difference between being thankful to God and praising Him. We thank Him for what He has done but praise Him for who He is. No matter the circumstance, the fact that He is God is more than enough reason to praise Him (Psalms 150:6).
Tuesday’s article emphasised the need to reckon God as our source (Psalm 23: 1). God’s proactive providence in salvation is proof that He can provide all we need according to His riches in Glory (Philippians 4:19, Romans 8:32). We see this same act of providence when God provided a ram for Abraham’s sacrifice; leading Abraham to name that mountain, ‘Jehovah Jireh’ meaning, ‘The Lord will provide’ (Genesis 22: 11-15). As believers, we must have faith in God’s provision because everything we have comes from Him.
On Wednesday, we were reminded to trust in God in all circumstances. God is able and willing to come through for us in any fix we find ourselves in (Isaiah 41:10). Expressing gratitude amid a storm demonstrates our trust in God. God wants us to remain cheerful, even in bad times, because He has overcome the world (John 16: 33). In response to difficult situations, we rejoice and give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
On Thursday, we learnt that God is a good shepherd, eager to lead us. Like a good shepherd to a sheep, He guides, protects and cares for us, his flock. Just as God led Moses, the Israelites, David and the Apostles, God still leads us today (Exodus 14:5-16, Acts 5:19-20). Whether in a dramatic fashion or not, He lights our path and directs us into all truth (Psalm 119: 105, John 16: 13).
Friday’s article emphasised God’s never changing goodness (James 1: 17). It is God’s nature to be good, and an example is how He gives rain, sunlight and fair weather to all creatures -great and small, good and evil. Some people often blame God for life’s misfortunes. However, that is false because God has no evil in Him (James 1:17). No matter the challenges, we can trust God and praise Him because His goodness is everlasting.
This weekend, meditate on the goodness of God and praise Him. Even if you’re going through a rough season, praise Him in that storm because He is a good Father and is worthy of our praises.
Bible Reading Plan: Psalms 19, 21