Thanksgiving in Salvation

Hannah prayed because her heart was exulted in victory over her enemies.  Like her, God aids us in his work in the house of the Lord.  Our hearts rejoice in his salvation.  He counsels and instructs us and we shall not be moved.  Our souls rejoice for he shows us the path of life where there’s fullness of joy, and pleasure forevermore.  It’s for the righteous to rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him.  With the gifts of thanksgiving and praise we declare, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation” (Isa 12:2).

Enjoyment of Christ

A Prussian philosopher and diplomat Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767–1835), the founder of Humboldt University in Berlin wrote, “True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.”  To be spiritually attuned calls for a discerning mind and healthy body.  When people accept our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in their lives he paves the way for this fulfillment.  To some even living in pain may still mean happiness in Christ.  Jean-Jacques Rosseau (1712–1778), a Francophone philosopher, and composer wrote, “I have always said and felt that true enjoyment cannot be described.”  This is the ultimate essence of life to be enjoyed.  In heaven there will be nothing to compare it with. 

A pioneer, woodsman, and frontiersman Daniel Boone (1734–1820) said, “Felicity, the companion of content, is rather found in our own breasts than in the enjoyment of external things; and I firmly believe it requires but a little philosophy to make a man happy in whatever state he is.”  Knowing we’re saved and assured of salvation gives us contentment.  It’s a joy to experience salvation. 

DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828), a politician, naturalist, and former governor of New York wrote, “Pleasure is a shadow, wealth is vanity, and power a pageant; but knowledge is ecstatic in enjoyment, perennial in frame, unlimited in space and indefinite in duration.”  Clinton must have been thinking about a special kind of knowledge.  This could only be gained through the Holy Spirit who’s with us until the end of time. 

Divine Knowledge

It’s only by divine knowledge we’re truly successful.  An author and impresario Napoleon Hill (1883 –1970) said, “Success in its highest and noblest form calls for peace of mind and enjoyment and happiness which comes only to man who has found the work he likes best.”  One way of ascending to the mountaintop of success is by lifting up the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives.  He knows our hearts and is the author of salvation. 

As for our motivation nothing assures our blessings more securely than having the gift of the Holy Spirit.  John C. Maxwell (b. 1947), an author and pastor reminded us: “Enjoyment is an incredible energizer to the human spirit.”  Through the Holy Spirit we’re certain to learn of Christ’s gifts to us.  By his grace we’re renewed, fulfilled, and enlivened to do his work.  This mission is always a success.