In Others’ Words: In Everything …
Two words stand out to me in Psalm 9:1 — the word whole and the word recount.
As I thought through Psalm 9:1, I wondered: Do I ever give half-hearted thanks to God? Or do I ever forget to thank him altogether?
And then there’s that idea of recounting … when I took a closer look at what the Hebrew word caphar means it encompasses the idea of counting things (think math) and declaring things (think speech class).
When I recount God’s wonderful deeds I don’t lose track of all he’s done for me — even going so far as numbering them (and now I’m thinking of Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts) and also telling others about them.
I’m intentionally grateful.
To be honest, 2013 has been a challenging year to be thankful in everything. Don’t get me wrong … I have more than a 1,000 gifts to be thankful for. But it hasn’t been a difficulty-free year. And there has been one heartache that I’ve had to turn over to God … that I’ve left in his hands each and every day … sometimes many times a day.
I know I’m not alone in this — the choosing to be grateful in everything.
And that’s what I’m thankful for today: that faith allows us to be real … to come as we are to God’s throne of grace and receive mercy and grace in our times of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Just for today: Know that you are one of the reasons I am thankful in everything. You bless me with your insights. You encourage me. You expand my view of the world, of God, of others … I’ve changed because of you.
Yes, you.
Choosing to be Whole-Hearted in Gratefulness Click to Tweet
The Counting and Declaring Parts of Gratitude Click to Tweet
Thankful … in Everything — Yes, Everything Click to Tweet
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I’ll see you on Monday — Dec. 2! Which reminds me:
Have you selected your favorite quotes for my 2014 downloadable calendar of quotes? My newsletter subscribers will receive a PDF version of the calendar – and 5 subscribers will receive a customized calendar and a copy of one of may books. Go here for more information.
