Giving Thanks at All times - Pt. 3

 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5–6 ESV).

 

Faith and Logan are the inspiration for my devotionals this week; however, there have been many other experiences that God used to teach me the importance of gratitude. I continue with a few of the experiences with them in the hope that you will see clearly the incredible goodness of God also. The picture today is still in the NICU. They had not been released into the regular nursery yet. As is true with many newborns, they had actually lost a little weight and seemed even more fragile. While Brandy and Kyle held them as often as possible there was no way I would risk holding them. My fear of doing something wrong was too great for that! After two days of politely declining to hold them in the rocking chair, Brandy said, “Don, sit down in the rocker, you’re going to hold your grandchildren.” I was terrified. I sat down and she brought Logan and handed him to me. I rocked him for a bit and then she took him and replaced Logan with Faith in my arms. I cannot describe the great joy that washed over me. I knew God had done a great good for me. Grandpa was smitten!

 

The Bible calls us to be thankful for and content with everything we have. Our family, health, meals we can share with loved ones, and of course life itself— all are precious gifts from the Lord. But discontent, greed, or fears don’t allow us to fully appreciate and treasure the precious gifts of life. We don’t know what the future holds. We might have to go through difficult times, but as the children of God we are assured of his continuous love and care. The Lord himself is our helper in this perilous life.

 

I had no idea what the future would bring. However, God had been working in my life to allow me to do much more than just see them for those few days when they were born. But that’s a story for tomorrow! Today, would you acknowledge the grace of God and His great love for you, even when it appears so counter intuitive.