(Posting this today, celebrating my first month blogging… originally written May 21st… )
Many things today have moved my heart to a place of gratitude. A video, a picture, a few memories – all have set my posture towards thanksgiving. I am overjoyed at the good things in my life. Laughter and tears have come all at once, blended together bringing hallelujahs!
There are times when I focus on the difficult, the impossible, the sadness, the illness, anything other than what seems good. I bristle, sometimes even curse the dark times. How can anything of this nature be a blessing?
To call Him blessed or rejoice inside of tribulation does not necessarily jive with the world’s idea of “blessed” or “blessings” – but it is His definition. There is a song, taken from Scripture, that calls on us to Bless his Name whether we are walking thru sorrow or happiness, that He is a good God in famine and plenty, in health or sickness. This idea shoots like an arrow right to the center of my heart and speaks loudly to me in the midst of my hallelujahs.
The blessing, clearly is not the circumstance but, that He is at work in my life.
With the life that I have, I am constantly tempted to give thanks only for the goodness. That would be easy because I live a very spoiled life. When there is suffering, I mourn, throw a pity party and then move on. Its probably my human nature, but it is how I have lived life.
I’m making a conscious effort today to try to view things differently. To choose a heart of thanksgiving regardless of circumstances seems like a lofty goal, maybe too idealistic, but I have to try. Can I truly bless His name in the midst of trials?
Job did it: (from Job 1)
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Dear Lord,
You have chosen me for a season of goodness right now. Your precious gifts to me are plentiful, even countless. Let me remember to live with a heart of gratefulness whether you give or take away. Blessed be your name at all times!
Amen and amen!
daily portion 