Troubled times are for believers to be very cautious and most importantly to ensure we are operating at the same frequency with God otherwise we wouldn’t hear Him when He speaks to us. It’s a time to look back and remember with a heart full of gratitude. When we feel and show thanks because somebody has been kind to us or has done as we asked, the feeling alone does not show our gratefulness, but the actions behind those feelings: so what one shows or expresses is the act. We can find many things to be grateful for in our lives and even in our most difficult times. I will bless God at all times; his praises shall continually be in my mouth. We go through situations and circumstances that make us mute. But I’ve made up my mind not to allow any situation to stop me from singing. Never allow your pain to shut your praise or your worries to determine your worship, don’t even let your bank account deter your joy. As painful as it may be, I’ll still praise Him.
It doesn’t have to look good before you praise him. Praise him in all seasons! Look back to the point you can remember and begin to trace your way in the silence of the day with a heart of gratitude. As we move from one point to another, we realise we have gone through and overcame so many trying times than we initially thought. These memories re-enforces the true image of the God we serve in our hearts and renew our commitment to be true to his words. No matter how big we think the problem is or the amount of pain we feel, looking back with gratitude brings back that sense of invincibility with Christ Jesus. We subconsciously let go of our problems as our thought draws closer to our current point; the deep sorrow our heart once felt begins to go away, there is this surge of internal joy which Christ alone is capable of giving.
In other words, we remind ourselves about the fact that we are not alone. It presents us (as well as the devil) with evidence so glaring that someone bigger than life itself is on our side and always true to His word. It conditions our mind for victory and most importantly it Glorifies God for Him alone is worthy to be glorified. The more closely our thought gets to our current point, the more mentally, thoughtfully, emotionally and spiritually synchronised we become to God. We will realise we don’t get stuck at our current position but surpass it with ease. We need to condition our minds to be one with God.
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. You can never find your real purpose and destiny, without going through the refinery of affliction. That’s where you get processed into a valuable commodity. Tea can never be tea, until it passes through hot water. Your prayer each day should be “God, give me the grace to survive the furnace of my affliction” …give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [1 Thess 5:18].
There is this poem by an unknown author which puts it in perspective, it says “Some through the water, some through the flood, some through great fire, but all through the blood. Some through great sorrows, but God gives a song, in the night season and all the daylong”.
