A list of problems. A list of things for which he could give thanks. That is what Robinson Crusoe did after he was shipwrecked. He took inventory of his life and was surprised at the size of the list of his assets. Perhaps we should do that on a regular basis—make a list of our problems and a list of things for which we can give thanks.
The one thing we learn about the Apostle Paul by reading his letters to the churches is that he did the same thing. He often cited the things that were against him, but he never dwelled there. He acknowledged all He suffered, but then went on to show all the things for which he gave thanks.
“For we don’t want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that took place in Asia: we were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life. Indeed, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves…. But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” [2 Corinthians 1:8-9, 2:14 HCSB]
That, “but thanks be to God” should be the heading of the list of things for which we can give thanks. Whatever we put in the list of problems, we can always begin the second with, “but, thanks be to God….”
For example, if our problem is fear, “but, thanks be to God” we have God’s promise that He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. [2 Tim 1:7]
If our problem is financial, “but, thanks be to God” we have God’s promise that He shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [Phil 4:19]
It really doesn’t matter what we put on that first problem list, there is always a “but, thanks be to God” promise from God on the second.
Father, You have provided everything we need, even our very breath. I know my “Thanks be to God” list far outweighs any problems I might face in this life. Thank you, Father, for Your abundance in my life. Keep me ever aware that you are Good, Good, Father. Amen
