I have a journal of thanks that i have kept for the last few years, stops and starts at times. here’s what I am noticing though, I am grasping for ideas, yet all I need to start me off is the word itself. Today, I have been reading some verses on giving thanks.
In 1 Chronicles 16, David instructs and appoints Levites, musicians and priests to celebrate, give thanks, and praise. In a way, if I’m in church, we have a bit of this in worship, in the study of the word, and community. I should not be limited to this practice on Sundays alone. I don’t want to get into shoulds and shouldn’ts. Rather, i want to practice well. I want to proclaim and let those around me know, my God answers prayers. Even his no is an answer.
Remember, boast, seek. The very act of writing can help me to do all of these things. Pain and trials can feel like the waves of the ocean, pounding over and over again. Standing in the waves, I can get so focused on just standing, that I forget the Lord is my strength and he is the one who sets my feet on a rock.
Psalm 107:6 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all humanity.
NASB
This is invitational. Come, share with thanks together. Let them. No matter what we face today, his faithful love and wondrous works can be celebrated. If I see a beautiful sunrise, I am reminded of our imaginative and creative God paints the sky. If the trees leaves are vibrant, beautiful colors, I am reminded of God’s power in the cycle of life and death. It can be beautiful.
Psalm 118:21 I will give thanks to you because you have answered me and have become my salvation.
NASB
Getting in the habit of writing down my prayers, my requests helps me so much. I can look back and know, my God answers prayers. Prayers asked by others too. He is our deliverance. Psalm 136.
You are God, your faithful love endures forever. Repeated 26 times in this Psalm. I’m distracted, LORD. My eyes look to your word, then to the chaos in my house. I’m worn. LORD, I am tired. I see this Psalm, see the phrase throughout the Psalm. I know your faithful love endures forever.
When the dogs have ripped toys, dishes are in the sink rather than the dishwasher, your faithful love endures forever.
When my dad is in rehab yet again, your faithful love endures forever.
When I look outside and see the sunrise, your faithful love endures forever.
I haven’t had a migraine for nearly a week and even if I do, your faithful love endures forever.
There is food on our table, there is gas in our cars, everyone is employed, your faithful love endures forever.
If there is not food on our table, or gas in our cars…your faithful love endures forever.
For heating pads and ice and rest, your faithful love endures forever.
When pictures are what we have to remind to remind us, your faithful love endures forever.
When age is seen and felt and noticed, your faithful love endures forever.
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