Ps 106:1-3
“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.  Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the Lord, Or can show forth all His praise?   How blessed are those who keep justice, Who practice righteousness at all times!”

Yesterday, I asked you to join me in prayer for my good friend Ron. When I left the hospital last night he was able to talk to me. The nurse said he would be moved to a room this morning. God is so good. Ron was the only patient in the heart critical care unit and received undivided attention from the nurses. God is so good. As I thank my God for his tender mercies, I also thank those of you who took the time to pray. God listens to his people when they pray.

It occurred to me that often I ask God for help and when it is over I forget to thank him. I don’t mean to be ungracious but evidently I take his relationship for granted. Like a true father would, I just assume he will take care of me. I’m going to try to let him know how much I appreciate the good things he does in my life. I must give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

It also occurred to me that when I do thank God its when he has given me what I wanted or asked for. In other words, when God says no, or later, I don’t say “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” Is it because I don’t think he’s good when he refuses my request? Is God only good when I get my way? Why don’t I stop and say, Lord, I thank you for saying no to me, you are good and therefore you know what is best for me?

If God is indeed good and his lovingkindness is everlasting, then whatever his answer to my prayer is, it is the correct answer. Because it is in my best eternal favor I should be as grateful as when he says yes. I need to work on that.

“God, I’m pretty good at saying thank you for your evident blessings and when you give me what I have asked for. I want to start today to say “Praise the Lord” for all the no’s I ignored. You are good and your lovingkindness is eternal. I know you give good gifts and always give me the right answer. Thank you. Amen.

P.S. In the CCU next door to Ron is an old friend and associate, Henry. Henry is very sick as I write and in need of divine help. His family are wonderful people.  I taught or coached his kids. Would you please add Henry to your personal prayer list. God is good and his lovingkindness is everlasting.