Give Thanks

"Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."

1 Thess. 5:18 (The Message)

Six-week-old, Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), suffered an eye infection. After receiving treatment by an incompetent doctor, she became blind. After her father died, Fanny was raised by her mother and grandmother. Her grandmother, Eunice, introduced her to the Bible and taught her the importance of prayer. Their landlady, Mrs. Hawley, helped Fanny memorize Scripture. Fanny memorized the Pentateuch, the Gospels, the Proverbs, many of the Psalms, and much more. Although blind, she was thankful, rather than bitter. Fanny Crosby said:

"It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."

"If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind...for when I die; the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Savior."

Fanny Crosby left the Church a legacy of over 8,000 hymns including "All the Way My Savior Leads Me", "I Am Thine O Lord", "Redeemed", "Rescue the Perishing", "Safe in the Arms of Jesus", "Tell Me the Story of Jesus", "Tis the Blessed Hour of Prayer", "To God be the Glory", and "Blessed Assurance". Perhaps some of her hymns comforted you in times of adversity.

Even in difficult times, give thanks to God. Giving thanks demonstrates obedience to the One who is worthy to receive praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 145:3; Revelation 7:12). Thank God for His salvation, love, faithfulness, presence, comfort, peace, mercy, His Word, and goodness. Read the Psalms, meditating on them. Memorize them, speak them, sing them, and pray them! Set an example for others (Psalm 35:18; 145:4).

Let every day be a day of thanksgiving - no matter the circumstances! It is God's will for us.