Here's how my day is going thus far. I had written what I considered to be a good blog, but, at the last minute I decided to hold it back for another day. Sometimes it just goes like that. Therefore, I am sitting here thinking about today, the one given to us by our Heavenly Father, this one in particular,
Thursday, June 4, 2026. I didn't want to be in a situation where I wished I could have unsaid something, if you catch my drift, so, I am moving on to another subject for today. Today's admonition in the verse given in the title image does not mean that we are thankful for everything that happens to us, but, rather, we give thanks in every situation because we know God is still our Father and it is will for us to have a thankful spirit. Some theologians distinguish between being thankful in all situations versus being thankful for all that happens. This is a great test of our faith because no matter the circumstance we know that we know that God is still on His throne and we are still His child, therefore, even in the midst of turmoil or chaos we have something to be thankful for. There are even times when some have come to believe their great challenge while tragic was actually a stepping stone in their walk with God. The renowned pastor/teacher Dr. J. Vernon Magee when his 'Through the Bible' radio program was at its peak, he came down with cancer. This was a crippling development in his life. As he was unable for some time to do his programs and as he often lay on his sick bed he became aware of something. That 'Through the Bible' program had become a worldwide phenomenon and Magee was taking credit for it being successful. He repented and gave it all to God because he came to know it was God at work not Magee and he had been the instrument in the hands of The Almighty. He gained remission and returned with a new perspective that changed it all. It was God's Word, it was God's provision, it was God at work, and, He deserved the honor and glory involved in reaching the lost around the globe. Period. Cancer became something Magee was thankful for in the sense that God used it to get his attention and to change him. Was he happy to get cancer? No. Did he enjoy all the medical procedures and treatments? No. Was he able to see God's hand in it all?
Yes, and, Amen. Dr. Mcgee passed away in 1988. Yet, he is still preaching and teaching 24x7 through God's Through the Bible radio program which airs on over 800 terrestrial radio stations across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to these radio outlets, the global ministry broadcasts in over 100 languages and dialects to more than 160 countries.
As the old preacher I grew up hearing used to say, "Ain't God good?" Yes, and Amen.
I know how easy it is for anyone to become discouraged living life where things can be at times overwhelming. How do I know that? Been there, done that, too many times to count. We can talk about how people rise to the occasion, they buckle down and persevere. While that's commendable it is different than having God as an ever present help in our time of need. (Psalm 46:1) I think about how unpredictable things are in this life. They are. They really are. I will not catalog again all the tragedies our family has faced over the past seventy plus years, but, there were enough to go around. The following song has become a staple in our family. It has been sung time and time again in our gatherings as a local called out assembly, and, in our personal times of reflection and worship. It has been very often sung at the home going service of one of our loved ones. It reminds us all of some important truths:
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what lies ahead.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
Music and Lyrics by Ira Stanphill (1950)
You can look that one up on YouTube and find it recorded by dozens of folks. And, there is a great story behind the writing of that song so Google the song and the writer to read about it. My grandfather could not sing a lick, in tune. However, I've seen him singing and swaying many times to that song with tears rolling down his face. He knew about troubles and trials, but, even greater, he knew Who held his hand.
Amen.
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