Thankful

… give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds … Psalm 107:8

During a walk in my local shopping area, a colorful Thankful banner caught my eye as it was flying in the breeze in front of a garden store. While I try to avoid compulsive shopping, it was evident that it had to go home with me. It now adorns my door as a constant reminder that I am forever indebted to a God who is committed to being MY GOD in my coming in and going out. Prone to be an ingrate, presumptuous about God’s generosity and often failing to see His good hand in life’s everyday happenings, I am learning that a thankful heart has to be cultivated.

The Psalmist (107) wrote of a distressed people who experienced the grace and kindness of God in want, sickness, oppression, evil, sorrow and dangers of every kind. Three times God’s people were exhorted:

Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wondrous work to the children of man! (vs. 15, 21, and 31)

While we may not be tossed around on stormy seas as some were (vs. 23-29), during this season of pandemic and the clamor accompanying this election cycle, we too, are being tossed around by uncertainty. However, we are compelled to offer up songs of joy and praise to our God because He is the One who stills the storms of life and who will bring us to our desired haven. (vs. 29 and 30) The Psalmist concluded:

Whoever is wise, let Him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord. (vs. 43)

The chorus of an old hymn of the faith resounds with these lyrics: “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God hath done.” Thankfulness to God for His bountiful blessings and trustworthiness is not only a pleasing expression of honor, praise, and worship, but it has a profound effect on the grateful heart as self-reliance is subdued and our complete dependence upon Him comes into focus.

And here’s another bonus of the thankful heart: After turning out the lights at night I’m learning that while my brain begins the process of sorting out all the events of the day, a fitful night’s sleep can succumb to sweet sleep when I re-count and give God thanks for the many ways in which His goodness was evident during the day.

His banner over you is Love.