Psalm 126:3 (NLT)
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
We often count down to get ready for something. We can choose to count up to remember all of the ways that God has blessed us. We can count up because we have a God that we can count on. It’s the exercise that builds resolve in our hearts. When we count, we recall his goodness and refresh our very souls. Once we engage in remembering his goodness, our heads rise, our shoulders flex to attention, and we begin to realize just how good he has been.
The Lord has done great things for us. We know it for ourselves. Others can observe it, but we’re acutely aware that he has been present and active in the good and the rough. We remember those impossible situations when God showed up and made a way. We recall the time when all we knew was sickness and he chose to heal us. We’re reminded that in our darkest hour of grief and despair he was present to comfort and encourage us. We have no amnesia today when we think of what quickly brings water to our eyes. God has blessed us and we are grateful.
It’s worth it to say it out loud, to make a list, to recount the events and awaken our memories. We can start with the big, obvious blessings:
- He has given us life, health and strength
- He has gifted farmers and farms to bless our cabinets and tables with food
- He has watched over us as we slept in our beds, and provided the beds and homes for that rest
- He has given gifts, talents, and work
Now, let’s go deeper:
- God makes himself known to us every day
- He is with us in every circumstance
- We have his protection because he is the Guardian who hides
us in safe places (Psalm 91:1)
- He responded to our request with “no” and blocked what could have hurt us
- He has used our small efforts to orchestrate big impact
- He knows us and loves us anyway
- We have so much to look forward to despite the challenges we
may face right now
As a child, I learned a song that taught me to remember God’s goodness:
“Count your blessings, name them one-by-one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done.
Count your blessings, name them one-by-one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
So, today we count our blessings and thank God for all that he has allowed and held back. Once we get started, we can count on and on because life has taught us that we can count on him. Our task is to live in a way that demonstrates that he can count on us.
Prayer
Lord, We have every reason to say, “Thank you”. Teach us how to live grateful lives.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Live well, Michele