THANKSGIVING – THE ACCESS CODE
THANKSGIVING – THE ACCESS CODE
Most children and some adults even, believe that once they come to their earthly fathers with any problem, he will have a solution, just the way believers know our Heavenly Father can solve all our problems.
Fathers are the kings of their castles who direct the affairs therein. And so, in commemoration of the recently celebrated Fathers day, I celebrate and honour God, our Heavenly Father, I honour the memories of our fathers who have gone home before us to be with the LORD, I celebrate and honour our fathers here and all the women who play the roles of both father and mother to their children.
Whenever we are faced with challenges, most times we wear it all over us. As soon as people see us they know something is wrong. We even approach God this way too, coming to him complaining, crying and lamenting. This should not be so. There is a place to cry most certainly; in grief, in pain, or in sorrow but when we want to talk to our Heavenly Father about our trials, let us wipe those tears away and not be downcast. We should recognise that He has the power to solve whatever problems we are up against.
The Bible tells us this: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV Again, like I always say, it is not the case that we are in denial or that we are ignorant of happenings all around us. No! But our complaining does not change anything and might cause us to suffer negative emotions like anger, bitterness, and panic which all lead to stress and subsequently severe medical conditions.
The way to approach God concerning any issue is with thanksgiving.
The Word of God says “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name.” Psalms 100:4 KJV
At least before we get to God to tell him what we want him to do for us, we must come into where He is. The access code to enter is thanksgiving.
In fact back in the day, sackcloth was not allowed in the palace or in the presence of the king. Just as it is to this day, traditionally in Western Nigeria, reigning monarchs are not allowed to attend or participate in any funeral proceedings.
In the story of Esther in the bible, when Mordecai heard of Haman’s plot to have all the Jews in the Persian Empire destroyed, he wore sackcloth as a way of expressing his sorrow, but he did not dare go into the palace to tell Esther, his niece, who was the queen at the time, what had happened
“When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sack cloth and ashes, and went out into the city wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it.” Esther 4:1-2 NIV
The King of kings wants us to come to Him with anything that wearies or bothers us. But we must come with Thanksgiving and not in sackcloth. When Esther eventually went in to see the king to present her case, she was dressed radiantly in her royal robes.
“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Psalms 85: 1-3 KJV
In our strength, understanding and wisdom, it will be almost impossible to cope with life’s challenges. They are overwhelming at best and at worst the are simply lethal. But there is a way out for us. Jesus said : “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV.
Let us come unto the King of kings with thanksgiving, with praise and worship.
And remember no sackcloth is allowed.
He knows what you are going through.
He knows you cannot go it alone.
He wants to help you.
It is actually difficult to be in a Thanksgiving mode and still be downcast.
COME TO THE KING!
COME WITH THANKSGIVING.
TELL HIM EVERYTHING.
HE WILL HELP YOU!
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©