Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Be Strong, Be Well — Sunday, April 26
During trying times we may overlook things for which we should be grateful. But when we pause to think about our relationship with God, we can’t help but express our appreciation and thanksgiving to Him for His bountiful blessings. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Someone told me yesterday, in our confinement, there’s now only three days in a week—yesterday, today and tomorrow. I thought of this in reference to our expression of thankfulness. Gratitude looks in all directions—past, present, and future.
We usually say it’s not a good thing to look backwards and dwell on the past. But looking back and finding all the good that has been done on our behalf, is beneficial to a thankful soul.
Where would we be without Christ who died so long ago? How grateful we are for the sacrifice He made, for our response to the gospel message, and for being added to the church—the spiritual kingdom of God on earth.
Today, we are thankful for the church and the love of our spiritual family. We cherish the relationship we have with our brothers and sisters in the family of God. How we long to see each other again. We are grateful for the bond of peace and harmony that keeps us tied together.
Who hasn’t bowed their head and thanked God for the material blessings He showers upon us each day? He provides our daily necessities, and for that we are grateful. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
Finally, gratitude is expressed in view of the future. When the Lord appeared to John in the story of Revelation, the apostle was given a glimpse of things to come. He was instructed to, “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this” (Revelation 1:19).
Being grateful for things which have yet to come into view, is being filled with hope and thankfulness through the eye of faith. We have been given the promise of heaven and eternal life. We express our thankfulness for the rewards we will receive someday. Paul wrote, “...according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:1-2).
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
On this day of worship, may we bow together and be grateful for yesterday, today, and tomorrow. —Chris