We’re encouraged to keep a gratitude journal & urged to count our blessings! The emphasis is on focusing on the positive- the good things surrounding us.
And actually these sentiments have been backed by research. Harvard concluded ‘Giving thanks can make you happier’ Listing everyday pleasures & tiny joys can foster positivity & improve energy & boost our mood.
An attitude of gratitude is beneficial:
‘Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.’
If we are grateful for good coffee, beach walks, instaperfect meals, close friends & our cherished family, then how much more thankful should we be to God?
After all, ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above’
(James 1:17 NIV)
In the Old Testament, as the Israelites battled with the Philistines, the prophet
Samuel set up a stone & called it Eben-ezer, meaning ‘so far the Lord has helped us.’ (1 Samuel 7:12 )
This rock was a sign of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Samuel remembered how God in His mighty power had helped until this point & so He was more than worthy of their trust in the days ahead. In the future, the Israelites could stop at this Eben-ezer stone & remember with thankfulness God’s gracious acts.
David wrote:
‘But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.’
(Psalms 77:11 NLT)
Recall & remember God’s works.
Selah is a word scattered throughout the Psalms.It’s a musical term that means a reflective pause. In our busy lives we too can pause & reflect with gratitude to the God of all our days.
We can literally express our gratitude in a journal, or a prayer or share our thankfulness with others.
We have so much to thank God:
*For His amazing artistry displayed in creation
*For God’s never-ending grace & relentless love.
*For His grand plan of redemption in which He did not spare His One & Only Son, as the offering for our sin
*For His tender mercies & everyday blessings
*For His deep peace & constant presence
*For the warm embrace & inspirational challenge of His Word
He has helped us through trials & tests, problems & pressure, diagnoses & difficulties, stresses & strains. He has guided us in the past & we can entrust our future to Him.
We live under the extravagant generosity of our Creator God each & every day.
Blessings are ours
because we are His
We are:
Flawed yet forgiven
Redeemed & restored
Beloved & blessed
So pause & ponder with grateful hearts- Who God is in greatness & majesty, & what He has freely given, with grace & goodness.
‘For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.’
Blessings,
Ruthx
Blessed! 