IN SPITE OF ME

Another thought on why we are blandly thankful--

While examining the occasions when I was truly--heart-felt--thankful, I noticed an reoccurring circumstance-

invariably these were times when I had no control--and only when someone stepped in was I rescued/saved/redeemed.  Deep abiding-heart felt thanks came with desperation.




When the queen is sitting on her throne, in the midst of her vast and rich kingdom, with all those she reigns over circling around, why would she be thankful--when after all---she is the ruler of her kingdom!  I created all of this---I worked hard and all you see is the result of my labors---this is my birthright---my realm.  I have spent my life--planning and mapping out the results you see today and I was the one who took matters in my own hands so that this kingdom and all its wonders became mine.




We sit upon our throne in our self imposed rule of the kingdom we are surrounded with and take all credit for what we are/have.  Oh, we give lip service to thanking God, but all sin revolves around the worship of self---and knowing we created this world we reside in puts us squarely on the throne.  It would fly in the face of our self proclaimed creation, to humble ourselves and truly admit--without God--it would be a vast ocean of nothing.  Don't believe me?  When you look at your children---do you smile at all those wonderful traits of yours they inherited?  Are you proud of their education, career, accomplishments--all due to your child rearing?  Especially the good---we want to take all the credit for.  The bad---that came from the other family side, or God somehow messed things up.  

Sadly it takes moments of true desperation--loosing control of life---for us to cry out for help---and then when God rescues us---yet again---we are deeply and profoundly thankful.  For the most part though--the day to day---we are quick to take the credit and slow to acknowledge the true giver of all blessings.

Where would we be without God?  Why does it take desperation for us to proclaim our heart leaking--soul felt-deep thankfulness?  Why must the throne be jerked out from under us, before we remember Who is the Creator God and come to Him in the humble and true spirit of thankfulness?  

I am thankful He looks beyond my arrogance--humbled by his love in spite of my lack of gratitude.  Thankful for the grace He has lavished upon me--without warrant and with great favor.  I am thankful He loves me in  spite of me.


 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart…I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
Psalm 138:1-2

8 comments

  1. Oh boy....love the topics you are discussing..as we often have the same or similar conversations here at home. Thank you sweet friend...and I did leave you another comment on yesterdays...{big smiles}--Have a Blessed day, friend.

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    1. Hold unto your hat--tomorrow I may have those hornets swarming! Hope you know how much I admire you and your life. What an example of rising above what many would take as defeat. Praying for you and your sweet family, Friend!
      Blessings!

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  2. Whatever we have in life has been given us by our Creator. He decided where we are born and by whom as parents. He has decided what we look like and our characteristics and traits and foibles. If we are talented or gifted in any way, this too is of His making. We did not create our intelligence to become doctors, accountants, or whatever. We did not create our talent for music, sport, dancing, acting or whatever.

    Every thing we have is a gift from God. Our gift back to Him is to use them wisely.

    God bless.

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    1. Amen, Victor, and for His good purposes !
      Blessings!

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  3. Loralu, how you have nailed this!!! Only when we are humbled by life, do we look up for help and realize that we are not in control and that He is the maker and giver of all things. It is in our repentance or anger or helplessness that we truly thank Him. And our children, how often we boast about all their accomplishments and somehow wrap it up in blessings from God. But it is in their failures or what we regard as failures that we are suddenly quiet and then question a silent God. We all should exude gratitude with every breath that we take. Thank you for another great post!!! It makes me realize that I need to thank God always and with all my being, the good and the bad. love you.

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    1. Well said, Debbie - in the good & bad, I sm blessed & thankful- for His perfect plan is far above my lowly thoughts!
      Love you, Friend!

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  4. How did you know about my kingdom? I try not to upset the subjects with such topics. *lol* Seriously, though, that is a good lesson to remember for all of us. Looking forward to tomorrow's hornets nest.
    Hope you day is blessed. ~:)

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    1. Just call me the pot stirrer! To be a middle child & the peace maker- I sure can stir up a stink!
      Blessings, Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!