The Bible teaches that God is a holy God. The idea behind the concept of holiness is “separation.” It comes from a word meaning “to separate or cut off.” God is separate, or cut off, from everything that is sinful and evil-He cannot tolerate sin. To say that God is holy means there is no trace of evil in his character. “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

Because He is holy He can only do that which is true and good. He is absolutely pure and sinless. God, therefore, hates sin and loves the good. It is impossible for Him to sin. He always tells the truth. So when we see things or occurrences that don’t look “good” to us, remember “that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)

The old-time hymn writer Fanny Crosby had the choice to make to be either thankful or unthankful. At six weeks of age she was rendered permanently blind; many would consider that a burden. Instead she was thankful. In her autobiography she wrote, “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation.”  She further said, “I could not have written thousands of hymns if I had been hindered by the distractions of seeing all the interesting and beautiful objects that would have been presented to my notice.” She was thankful and praised Him!

A failure to give thanks is at the heart of much (if not most) of the sense of gloom, despair, and despondency that is pervasive even among believers today. Let us praise Him for all the gifts we receive from Him, whether they look good to us in the present moment or not. He works for our good and for His purposes. Lord, remind us that “we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise” (Ps. 106:47).

Lord, in order to be truly grateful, I must remain humble–reminding myself that everything I have comes from You. I am undeserving of your grace and mercy, but am so thankful that You give it to me generously anyway. Thank you for the reminder, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” (1 Tim 6:17) Today, Lord, I am thankful for waking up and having another opportunity to praise Your holy name. May my heart and mind remain humble today, and give you all the glory and praise!