What if today, you aren’t sick? What if today you have job security, your family is healthy, and you currently have no big trials that you are facing? How much are you currently focused on Jesus? How thankful are you for all He has blessed you with?
When we go through hard times – when we face sickness, death, financial problems, broken relationships, job loss, etc. we tend to draw close to Jesus. We pray more. We read our Bible more. We seek Him more. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” When we face trials, we realize our need for Jesus.
But what if today, things are going well?
Do you say a quick prayer because you feel obligated? Do you try to read the verse of the day and that’s about it when it comes to Bible study? Maybe things are going so well that you hardly think about Jesus and what He has done for you.
God loves us even when we forget about Him. But God is also a jealous God.
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:14
He is jealous when we spend hours each day on our phone. He is jealous when we love people and things more than Him. He is jealous for our time.
He loves us so much, that when we forget that He is the one who gives us all the good things that we have, He will get our attention in whatever way is necessary. We are so blessed. God has given us so much to be thankful for. But when we start forgetting to be thankful, He will allow trials to come so that we will again seek Him. He doesn’t want bad things to happen in our lives, but He will allow them in order to bring us closer to Him.
“For he does not willingly bring affliction.” Lamentations 3:33
“God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.” Hebrews 12:10
If God has been so good to you; If God has blessed you with family, friends, health, and safety; If you can think of things in your life that make you happy, don’t forget to thank God. He is the giver of all good things in your life. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.”
Don’t just run to God when trouble comes. Seek Him just as much during times of health and peace. Show your love and dedication by prayer, bible study, and loving others. Constant praise will bring you closer to God.
“Thankfulness is the natural outflowing of a heart that is attuned to God.” Billy Graham
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
