What does "wisdom and thanksgiving" teach us about our attitude towards God? A burst of heavenly praise “ ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’ ” (Revelation 7:12) What the scene tells us • A vast, redeemed multitude stands before the throne. • Their worship is not casual; it is full-throated, seven-fold, endless. • Two of the seven attributes—wisdom and thanksgiving—shape how we, even now, approach the Lord. Wisdom: trusting the flawless mind of God • Recognition: We ascribe wisdom to God because He alone “knows the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). • Humility: Declaring His wisdom admits ours is limited. “O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33). • Teachable spirit: If He is perfectly wise, the only sensible posture is teachability. “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God” (James 1:5). • Surrendered decisions: Trust replaces self-reliance. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Calm assurance: Because His wisdom guides history, we rest even when life feels chaotic (Isaiah 55:8-9). Thanksgiving: expressing glad dependence • Continual gratitude: The heavenly chorus models unending thanks; earthly worship should echo it. “Give thanks in every circumstance” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Perspective shift: Gratitude reframes trials, reminding us God remains good and sovereign (Philippians 4:6). • Worshipful tone: Thanksgiving guards praise from becoming rote. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4). • Witness to others: A thankful spirit showcases the gospel’s power more convincingly than complaint ever could (Colossians 3:15-17). • Submission to grace: Saying “thank You” admits everything is received, not earned (1 Corinthians 4:7). Daily choices shaped by wisdom and thanksgiving • Before acting: Pause to seek His counsel, acknowledging His perfect wisdom. • While walking: Notice providences, however small, and voice thanks aloud. • In setbacks: Replace “Why me?” with “Thank You for working wisdom I may not yet see.” • With others: Offer godly counsel rooted in Scripture’s wisdom and season it with grateful words. • In worship: Let songs, prayers, and conversations overflow with these two themes so heaven’s chorus is rehearsed on earth. Living heaven’s melody now When wisdom and thanksgiving mark our attitude, we join the multitude of Revelation 7 ahead of time: trusting God knows best and thanking Him that He always does what is best. |
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