It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…
Our nation’s trend seems to be towards godlessness. It was the same in Hosea’s time. He 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.
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…”
Although our country only experiences blessings because of God, many do not know it. On a personal level, I’m sure there are many loving acts of kindness God has done for me that I did not know about. How many times has He protected me or my loved ones that I didn’t know about? How many times has He led, strengthened, encouraged, and comforted me that I didn’t know about? How many times has He diverted my path so I could avoid pitfalls? I know not.
Just because I can’t recognize God’s involvement in my life, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. So when I thank God for the blessings I see, I want to also thank Him for all the things He does for me that I don’t know about.
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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord…” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)
