Thankful Anyhow!

A. Remembering Thanksgiving

Introduction

A. Remembering Thanksgiving

I remember having Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s home every year. The food was always great, but the family members were special.

My uncles always wanted to talk about their football days and how good they were.

My aunt was always complaining about my uncle not helping in the kitchen. My grandmother would try and put us to work. My mother would come in a have to bring peace, but that did not always work.

You see growing up, I did not notice many of the challenges that faced our family until I became a little older.

Why did my aunt go outside every few moments,

why was my uncle losing weight so quickly,

and my other one have blood red eyes,

Who can explain my grand father’s yelling,

and why my mother trying to keep us away from certain relatives?

There is no perfect family because they are made of imperfect people. We have challenges to our family structures, personal environments, and even our own life decisions. Some thing those choice can cause pain. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t be thankful anyhow!

It is not an easy thing to deal with when you know that you have problems and there seems to be no way out. But the Bible give us hope in the form of Thanksgiving.

It almost seems crazy and counterintuitive to face trials and problems with a smile and a merry heart, but the Bible tells us ... ()

Proverbs 17:22 NKJV

22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

We must believe the promises of God and trust that He will fulfill what He said He would do.

Habakkuk: A Prophet Who Vowed to Be Thankful in Hard times vs. 16

Habakkuk: A Prophet Who Vowed to Be Thankful in Hard times vs. 16

Habakkuk 3:16 NKJV

16 When I heard, my body trembled; My lips quivered at the voice; Rottenness entered my bones; And I trembled in myself, That I might rest in the day of trouble. When he comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops.

An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God Habakkuk 3: Praise with Confidence in God

Habakkuk was reduced to a sense of utter inadequacy as to his own prowess (cf. John 15:5; 2 Cor. 3:5). His inner being was rocked by fear, his lips quivered, and “rottenness entered into my bones.” Nothing within himself was adequate. His frame seemed to dissolve; he had no power to stand up, for the message seized him in its powerful grip.

Habakkuk was reduced to a sense of utter inadequacy as to his own prowess (cf. ; ). His inner being was rocked by fear, his lips quivered, and “rottenness entered into my bones.” Nothing within himself was adequate. His frame seemed to dissolve; he had no power to stand up, for the message seized him in its powerful grip.

Habakkuk was shown by God that He was going to use Babylon, a heathen nation to chasten the people of God and it was for their ultimate good. God was dealing with His people in a way that would provide them rich blessings in the future.

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 4 4. Theme

God’s purpose to reveal to the prophet how the swelling pride of the Chaldeans, and likewise that of all the wicked, leads to death, while the trustful submission of the righteous to God through faith leads to life.

“God’s purpose to reveal to the prophet how the swelling pride of the Chaldeans (Babylonians), and likewise that of all the wicked, leads to death, while the trustful submission of the righteous to God through faith leads to life.

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 4 4. Theme

The book of Habakkuk provides a solution to the problem of why God permits sinners to flourish, comparable to the solution provided by the book of Job to the problem of why God permits saints to suffer (see Vol. III, p. 494). Habakkuk sincerely loved the Lord and earnestly longed for the triumph of righteousness, but he could not understand why God seemingly permitted the apostasy and crime of Judah to go unchecked and unpunished (Hab. 1:1–4; cf. Jer. 12:1).

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 4 4. Theme

The book of Habakkuk provides a solution to the problem of why God permits sinners to flourish, comparable to the solution provided by the book of Job to the problem of why God permits saints to suffer (see Vol. III, p. 494). Habakkuk sincerely loved the Lord and earnestly longed for the triumph of righteousness, but he could not understand why God seemingly permitted the apostasy and crime of Judah to go unchecked and unpunished

As you read this book, you quickly see that God is trying to do something FOR HIS PEOPLE. What they viewed as punishment, pain and heartache, distress and disappointment, God is working it out for their good.

The enemy was at gate and there was nothing that Habakkuk could do but thank God. Crazy!!

You see, the enemy was at gate and there was nothing that could be done about it. So all Habakkuk could do is give God Thanks. Crazy!!

Habakkuk was one who loved God enough to thank Him in distress

The name of Habakkuk shows how close he trusted in his God. Habakkuk names means: “One Who Embraces” or “Clings”

How can one be thankful when things are difficult?

The background story to this book records the events under the early reign of Jehoiakim, a godless king who led the nation of Judah down the path of destruction.

By the time Babylon was done with the land of Judah, there wouldn’t be much of value left (2:17). Buildings would be destroyed, treasures would be plundered, and farms and orchards would be devastated. The economy would fall apart and there would be little to sing about.

But God would still be on His throne, working out His divine purposes for His people (). Habakkuk couldn’t rejoice in his circumstances, but he could rejoice in his God! He knew and understood...

Romans 8:28 NKJV

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

For good. Nothing can touch the Christian except by our Lord’s permission (see ; ), and all things that are permitted work together for good to those who love God. If God permits suffering and perplexity to come upon us, it is not to destroy us but to refine and sanctify us (see on ).

Example: If you’ve never played organized sports or was part of a sport team, it is hard for you to understand this part of the message.

There is no easy road to victory, there is no magic bullet to a winning season, there is no pill that gives you natural extraordinaire abilities. It takes hard work, hours of practice and many moments of pain.

The problem is that we want things to come easy. We want to be rich without hard work, we want to lose the weight by working out once and a while, we want to past the test by cramming the night before, we want the blessing without the trials. And we want salvation and sanctification on the easy plan.

This is why we experience discouragement when trials, set back, and heart-aches come. We have not been discipled during practice time.

The troubles and disappointments of this life take our affections from the world and lead us to look to heaven for our home. They teach us the truth about our frail and dying condition and cause us to rely upon God for support and for salvation.

The troubles and disappointments of this life take our affections from the world and lead us to look to heaven for our home. They teach us the truth about our frail and dying condition and cause us to rely upon God for support and for salvation.

The troubles and disappointments of this life take our affections from the world and lead us to look to heaven for our home. They teach us the truth about our frail and dying condition and cause us to rely upon God for support and for salvation.

Job 1:12 NKJV

12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Romans 8:17 NKJV

17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Prophets and Kings Chapter 32—Manasseh and Josiah

But the Lord would not utterly forsake those who in a strange land should acknowledge Him as their Ruler; they might suffer great tribulation, yet He would bring deliverance to them in His appointed time and way. Those who should put their trust wholly in Him would find a sure refuge.

Job 2:6 NKJV

6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.”

They also produce in us a more humble and subdued spirit, a more patient and tender disposition. This has been the experience of God’s people throughout history, and at the end of their lives they have been able to say that it was good for them to have been so afflicted (see , ; cf. ). At the end of his life Joseph was able to say to his brothers,..

Romans 8:17 NKJV

17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

They also produce in us a more humble and subdued spirit, a more patient and tender disposition. This has been the experience of God’s people throughout history, and at the end of their lives they have been able to say that it was good for them to have been so afflicted (see , ; cf. ). At the end of his life Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” ().

Psalm 119:67 NKJV

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.

Psalm 119:71 NKJV

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.

They also produce in us a more humble and subdued spirit, a more patient and tender disposition. This has been the experience of God’s people throughout history, and at the end of their lives they have been able to say that it was good for them to have been so afflicted (see , ; cf. ). At the end of his life Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” ().

Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Genesis 50:20 NKJV

20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

When the Provision of God Changes, Be Thankful He Is Unchanged (v.17)

For good. Nothing can touch the Christian except by our Lord’s permission (see ; ), and all things that are permitted work together for good to those who love God. If God permits suffering and perplexity to come upon us, it is not to destroy us but to refine and sanctify us (see on ). The troubles and disappointments of this life take our affections from the world and lead us to look to heaven for our home. They teach us the truth about our frail and dying condition and cause us to rely upon God for support and for salvation. They also produce in us a more humble and subdued spirit, a more patient and tender disposition. This has been the experience of God’s people throughout history, and at the end of their lives they have been able to say that it was good for them to have been so afflicted (see , ; cf. ). At the end of his life Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” ().When the Provision of God Changes, Be Thankful He Is Unchanged (v.17)

When the Provision of God Changes, Be Thankful He Is Unchanged (v.17)

Habakkuk envisions losing things vital to their economy

The fig tree will not blossom

No fruit on the vines

Olive trees do not produce

Fields yield no harvests

Cattle and sheep are lost

Habakkuk’s view of the situation---nothing but bleakness (vs 17). When the Babylonians occupies the land, plant life is stripped, animals vanish, the Judeans run to the hills in search of hiding places. Some of the people seized by the enemy for food and many perished for lack of food and water.

Be Amazed 3. Faith: Affirm the Will of God (Hab. 3:16–19)

By the time Babylon was through with the land of Judah, there wouldn’t be much of value left (2:17). Buildings would be destroyed, treasures would be plundered, and farms and orchards would be devastated. The economy would fall apart and there would be little to sing about.

Our time is no different:

Our situations may seem to us that we have nothing to sing about. We may be failing all of our classes, on the brink of losing our jobs and minds, family life maybe unsetting, and we may be uncertain about the future.

There may be a army of discouragement at your front door and a weight of pain at your back door

We may be lonely, depressed, and perplexed

But Look at how Habakkuk views the Lord---nothing but greatness (18, 19)

Habakkuk 3:18–19 NKJV

18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God Habakkuk 3: Praise with Confidence in God

The prophet’s reliance on the Lord leads him to two realities.

a. A spirit of rejoicing (18). His prayer casts light across the darkness. “I will exult in the Lord … rejoice in the God of my salvation.” Joy is one of the concepts which God’s Old Testament people could express by many words. At its essence it is that good cheer of the believer that springs from a confidence that resources in the Lord are sufficient whatever the circumstance. Such joyous adequacy, encouraged to high optimism by God’s past performances in verses 3–15, is explained in verse 19.

The prophet’s reliance on the Lord leads him to two realities.

a. A spirit of rejoicing and thanksgiving (18). His prayer casts light across the darkness. “I will rejoice in the Lord … rejoice in the God of my salvation.” Joy is one of the concepts which God’s Old Testament people could express by many words. At its essence it is that good cheer of the believer that springs from a confidence that resources in the Lord are sufficient whatever the circumstance.

Such joyous adequacy, encouraged to high optimism by God’s past performances in verses 3–15, is explained in verse 19. If God has done it in the past for you, He will perform it again on your behalf.

Story: Was asked to serve a Dean of Young Men at Mount Vernon Academy…I was not qualified, but God made me qualified.

Be Amazed 3. Faith: Affirm the Will of God (Hab. 3:16–19)

But God would still be on His throne, working out His divine purposes for His people (Rom. 8:28). Habakkuk couldn’t rejoice in his circumstances, but he could rejoice in his God!

This prophet says he will be thankful anyhow

An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God Habakkuk 3: Praise with Confidence in God

A spirit of rest (19). God as the believer’s strength is the stability to keep him from slipping and falling to spiritual ruin. Treacherous troubles could cause one to falter or fall headlong , but God is able to give true grit (cf. Pss. 18; 27:1). He is a God of personal possession as “my salvation” and “my strength.”

The prophet’s second reality is:

A spirit of rest (19). God as the believer’s strength is the stability to keep him from slipping and falling to spiritual ruin. Treacherous troubles could cause one to falter or fall headlong , but God is able to give true grit (cf. ; ). He is a God of personal possession as “my salvation” and “my strength.”

Psalm 27:1 NKJV

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Story: All of us have enemies…but God can turn those enemies into allies. Bernie and I at Bass Memorial Academy

Not only does God give us the strength, but Habakkuk says that God will “make our feet like deer feet.” (vs. 19)

Not only does God give us the strength, but Habakkuk says that God will “make our feet like deer feet.” (vs. 19)

Habakkuk 3:19 NKJV

19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

Because the feet of a deer are sure-footed on steep and dangerous paths so they can get away from the enemy, then I know that God will give me the stedfastness and assurance to get through my trials.

Habakkuk 3:19 NKJV

19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

Because the feet of a deer are sure-footed on steep and dangerous paths so they can get away from the enemy, then I know that God will give me the stedfastness and assurance to get through my trials.

This prophet says he will be thankful anyhow

· Why? Because “The more Habakkuk knows about the Planner, the more he can be trust His plans.”

An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God Habakkuk 3: Praise with Confidence in God

verse 16 is a fresh reminder that the best way to handle coming predicaments is with prayer. Victory is in waiting, that is, trusting, resting with a calm heart expecting God to fulfill His faithfulness and take care of the sincere believer. Verses 18 and 19 enlarge on the winning “game plan.” Here is prayer’s praise to the Lord. It is staking all on His enabling grace and stability to help face come what may.

Thankfulness Anyhow!

Victory is in waiting, that is, trusting, resting with a calm heart with thanksgiving, expecting God to fulfill His faithfulness and take care of the sincere believer. Verses 18 and 19 enlarge on the winning “game plan.” Here is there saints praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. It’s staking all on His enabling grace and stability to help face come what may.

Be Amazed 3. Faith: Affirm the Will of God (Hab. 3:16–19)

“I will rely on the Lord” (Hab. 3:19). If my legs were shaking and my heart pounding, I’d find a safe place to sit down and relax, but Habakkuk began to bound up the mountain like a deer! Because of his faith in the Lord, he was able to stand and be as sure-footed as a deer; he was able to run swiftly and go higher than he’d ever gone before. This is one reason why the Lord permits us to go through trials: they can draw us nearer to Him and lift us above the circumstances so that we walk on the heights with him.

God made us for the heights. If He allows us to go into the valley, it’s so we might wait on Him and mount up with eagles’ wings (Isa. 40:30–31). “He made him to ride on the high places of the earth” (Deut. 32:13). This is what David experienced when he was being chased by his enemies and by Saul: “It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places” (Ps. 18:32–33).

Be Amazed 3. Faith: Affirm the Will of God (Hab. 3:16–19)

Habakkuk teaches us to face our doubts and questions honestly, take them humbly to the Lord, wait for His Word to teach us, and then worship Him no matter how we feel or what we see.

God doesn’t always change the circumstances, but He can change us to meet the circumstances. That’s what it means to live by faith

Habakkuk teaches us to face our doubts and questions honestly, take them humbly to the Lord, wait for His Word to teach us, and then worship Him with praise and thanksgiving no matter how we feel or what we see.

God doesn’t always change the circumstances, but He can change us to meet the circumstances. That’s what it means to live by faith.

Appeal:

They changed in Egypt (seven good years then seven poor years)

They changed for Job (he lost his wealth)

Changed during the Economic crash of 2008

Your reality may change due to loss of health or even bad investments

4. However, God does not change

(; ) … so be thankful

Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Malachi 3:6 NKJV

6 “For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

When Suffering Be Thankful for His Salvation (v.18)

300 Illustrations for Preachers Thankful for Missing a Field Goal

Preaching Themes: Thankfulness

Many athletes show gratitude to God when they do something good, like hit a home run, score a touchdown, or win a race. Former Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Stover has learned to give God the glory even in defeat. During the first quarter of Super Bowl XLIV, Stover made a 38-yard field goal and promptly pointed to the heavens, giving God glory for his achievement.

Of course many players do that. However, in the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, Stover missed a 51-yarder. Once again, he pointed to the heavens. That action didn’t escape notice: “CBS announcer Jim Nantz made note of the action, lauding Stover as a ‘spiritual man,’ grateful for divine blessing in success and failure, victory and defeat.”

The Bible teaches us to give glory to God in all we do, not just if it is successful. God receives much glory when we praise him and remain faithful, even when things do not go the way we would like them to.

—Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell262

We are never far from problems in this life

a. Everything about us is fragile

b. Life itself is uncertain

2. Salvation provides eternal life

a. Eternal life promised (, ; )

b. We are not limited to these few years of tears

3. Heaven is ahead ()

4. The best is yet to come ()

C. When Passing Through Trials We Can Triumph in Christ (v. 19)

1. The Lord is my strength (; ; )

Give God Thanks Anyhow!!