The Freedom of Gratitude

When we observe people of God making head-scratching decisions that are inconsistent with what they know to be true or right, know we are looking at a mirror image of ourselves.  Sure, our failings may not mirror the exact circumstances people experienced in the historical narrative, but we share the same weaknesses, are prone to spiritual dullness and have our own blind spots.  We wonder, how can people who saw the miracles God did to deliver them from slavery in Egypt murmur against Him in unbelief shortly thereafter?  Isn't it true that after coming to faith in Christ we too have complained of far less trying circumstances--despite our knowledge of what God has done and promised?

This inconsistency in people who fear God can be easily found throughout Scripture.  Peter spoke courageously in front of Jesus and the other disciples and even lashed out with a sword when Jesus was being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Yet he wilted under the scrutiny of servants who identified him as a disciple of Jesus as he warmed himself by the fire, trying in vain to shield himself with oaths and curses out of fear.  David did a similar thing.  He was bold and fearless in the face of Goliath of Gath, a towering giant who hurled vicious insults that made the men of Israel run for cover.  Yet when he travelled to Gath while on the run from King Saul, he was afraid when he heard Philistines identify him as a famous warrior.  He feigned insanity before the people and the king to show he was not a threat, and it was God who graciously delivered him again from death--not Goliath's sword he carried.

This madness seen in Peter and David is as natural for us humans as living in our own skin.  We can neglect to consider the faithfulness of God in the past or presently as relevant to our current struggle.  The disciples who witnessed Jesus miraculously multiply five loaves and two fish to feed over 5,000 people at one time did not imagine the power of Jesus extended to causing a storm to cease by His word alone.  Jesus' power to do so as God was alluded to in Psalm 107:28-30:  "Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. ²⁹ He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. ³⁰ Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven."  Since God is able to stir up and calm a storm by His power, like the disciples we are guided to cry out to Him in turbulent times (whether in a boat, train or aeroplane) knowing He will hear and answer.

Four times in the song the psalmist burst forth with praise as recorded in Psalm 107:31:  "Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"  It is one thing to keep the good things God has done for other people and us in mind, but we are to go further in giving God thanks for His goodness and wonderful works.  When our thanksgiving and gratitude for God's deliverance wanes because we are ungrateful, forgetful or distracted, Peter and David illustrate how we can gravitate to the snare of self-preservation rather than God's glorification.  It is good that we repent of our neglect to give thanks to God so we might learn to abide in Christ by faith, trusting He protects and provides perfect peace in all circumstances of life.