Where I stand as this lockdown continues: I stand on the Rock of all creation, because the mercy of Jesus has saved me. Gratitude fills my heart and my life with the blessings He has delivered to me, first fruit of which is that precious salvation. He Who is the fount from which all beneficence flows, in His mercy accepted my piteous cries for forgiveness and smiled upon my soul, bringing light and peace.
He continued to bless me by installing the Holy Spirit within me to rely upon as my guide and teacher. He allows me to grow in His light and remain upon His paths by sending me wisdom as I read His Holy Word. He gives me earthly fulfillments- I am not hungry, I am in a cozy home, I am clothed and I am employed.
I learn from Paul who said to the Philippians, "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:11-13)
Contentment no matter the circumstance is truly a gift. Do you have a grateful heart as this lockdown goes on?
And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN." This expression, 'Yet once more,' denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:26-29).
In the meanwhile, here on earth, He is shaking loose governments, mountains, economies, hearts...so what remains? Believers! The Kingdom is within us and we must not be shaken as the the times continue to deepen. Gratitude and contentment in the midst of terrible circumstances is key to remaining unshaken. Paul was unshaken, content in all that occurred.
Friend, you are of the Kingdom - the Kingdom that will not be shaken! My prayer for you is that your heart is filled with gratitude for all things, no matter the circumstance.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16).
Thankful hearts dwell upon the gifts which the Lord has given them, and think it no task to mention them one by one. ... If we gratefully acknowledge what we have we shall be in better heart for obtaining that which as yet we have not received. ~Spurgeon, Treasury of David, Psalm 108------------------------------------------------
Further reading
We are being shaken, and yet we trust Him.
What is a biblical view of thankfulness / gratitude
Treasury of David: Psalm 108, Charles Spurgeon
