Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
A radio talk show host in our area asked people to call in and tell him what influences your life and fills you up. Then he added, “…but don’t call me and tell me about Jesus.” This is just another indication of how many in our nation are quick to reject God. Yet we are a nation blessed above all nations and all blessings come from God. Fortunately, God has not rejected us. He does things for us that we don’t even know about.
Hosea lived during the last twenty-five years of Israel’s existence as a nation. It was a time of political upheaval, anarchy and bloodshed. Israel’s spiritual condition had deteriorated. They were involved in idolatry, adultery, and drunkenness. Hosea tried to bring them to their senses. He preached about God’s character, righteousness, omnipotence, and loving kindness. He reminded them of the covenant they entered into with God. Then he prepared them for the impending doom of the nation because of their unfaithfulness.
While reading Hosea, one passage got me thinking about all God does for us. Hosea 11:1-4 says, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt…I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.”
I especially love the phrase, “They knew not that I healed them…”
Consider this…Could there be acts of loving kindness God has done for our nation or for us personally that we didn’t know about? How many acts of terrorism has God averted that we didn’t know about? How many times has He protected us or our loved ones that we didn’t know about? How many times has He led, strengthened, encouraged, and comforted us that we didn’t know about?
It’s all so easy to appear self-sufficient, but we must remember every blessing comes from God. The Thanksgiving holiday has passed, but our thankfulness should never cease. As we thank God for the blessings we see, let’s not forget to thank Him for all the things He does for us that we don’t know about.
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- Say a little prayer of thanksgiving when you first get out of bed to start your day. Something like, “Thank you, Lord, for another day of life!” It can get your day started on a positive note.
- Many people say grace or a “thank you for this food” prayer before they eat. However, if it is not convenient to do so, you can still say one in your mind. God knows our thoughts.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to give thanks in everything. In other words, even if things aren’t going well, we can still find something to be thankful for.
- Just because God doesn’t give us everything we ask for doesn’t mean He isn’t actively involved in our lives. Listen to the song Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks occasionally.
- Don’t forget to thank God for all the things He does for us that we may not be aware of.
