November 26, 2014 | Eyes To See and a Heart To Give Thanks

Jehoshaphat’s thanksgiving

Good king Jehoshaphat of Judah was remarkable in many ways, not the least of which was his understanding about thankfulness. In 2 Chronicles 20, we learn how he led God’s people in a great thanksgiving celebration before they had any relief from oppression. Yes, that chapter accounts a great victory by Judah, but we notice that the thanksgiving celebration came first.

This was not mere locker room bravado. Jehoshaphat saw truths about life and the Lord that were deeper and more real than his material circumstances. He recognized that God’s hesed [covenant love we translate “lovingkindness”] reaches beyond, over, and through all situations. It is indeed everlasting.

Judah’s king combined those eyes to see with a heart ready and willing to give thanks. Thus, he experienced lasting spiritual victory before setting foot on the battlefield.

A grieving mother’s gratitude

Last week at my home church we had to bid farewell to a dear sister tragically taken by cancer. After a tearful, wonderful celebration of her life here and her eternal life with the Savior, I received this note:

To the members of Frisco Bible Church –

The outpouring of love to my children was beautiful. For all everyone did and all the donations, thank you. The prayer, the hugs and love showed me why they loved this church so much.

I can’t begin to thank you all for everything. It made my pain much easier. She was a special woman and [her surviving husband] makes a mother proud.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As we enter Thanksgiving this week, we do well to follow the lead of Jehoshaphat and this hurting mom. There are battles still to fight and pains worthy of great grief. Yet in the midst of all this the hesed of God endures forever. We can give thanks through the tears and before the battle is won – all because we know the One who assures us eventual and eternal victory.