«In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, then you have a tendency to divide the experiences you have lived into two major categories: the «good» and the «bad;» you probably remember the bad ones more easily.
Because I know that this practice isn’t a good one, I thanked God statement by Henri J.M. Nouwen according to which a truly grateful person gives thanks to God for their whole life: the good and the bad that has happened to them, the successes and failures they have experienced, the moments of joy and the moments of sadness they have gone through. That is, just as today’s text says, thank God for everything!
But Nouwen’s statement does not end there. He then adds that as long as we Continue to divide our past experiences between what we like to remember and what we prefer to forget, «we cannot claim the fullness of our beings as a gift of God to be grateful for.»
There is wisdom in his words. First of all, who are you and I to decide what qualifies as good and what qualifies as bad regarding what has happened to us in the past? Isn’t it true that some of the experiences we initially described as bad ended up becoming a blessing? Only God has the power to see the end from the beginning, to see the whole picture; therefore, let us ask Him to help us put an end to this unhealthy practice of dividing our lives between «the good» and «the bad» that has happened to us.
Secondly, does the Word not say that «all things work together for good to those who love God» (Romans 8:28)? If our failures have made us wiser people, if our mistakes have helped us become more mature today, if our sins have made us more dependent on God, is there anything we should regret? On the contrary, there’s a lot to be thankful for!
Consequently, let’s not lament over anything! Just as earthly parents care for their children, our loving heavenly Father cares for us. His guiding hand has brought us so far. And He will continue to guide us to the glorious day when we will inherit all the riches that He has prepared for those who love Him.
Thank You, dear Lord, for my whole life.
Please help me believe that Your divine hand has guided me here, and will continue to guide me to the end of my days on this earth.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
