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.
Comments 12
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, on days when simply getting to the computer and sitting upright is almost too painful to contemplate, yours is the blog I look for first.
Because you give me hope.
I’m thankful for your presence, and your friendship.
Author
I know you face your own challenges — as we all do. And I appreciate your insights & your honesty, Andrew.
Looking forward to you joining the conversation here more and more as we go into 2014!
Sweet Beth, I’m so thankful for you. For your transparency. Your willingness to share. Your devotion to others.
I understand the burden of heartache and I’m right there with you, friend, in giving it to God each and every day. So not easy, but praise God… with Him there’s always hope!
Happy Thanksgiving, dear one!
Author
Cynthia:
You are one of my friends who spurs me on to honesty — and I am thankful for you and your walk of faith.
May your Thanksgiving overflow with blessings to be counted!
Ditto what Andrew and Cynthia said. You are a blessing I thank God for. Often, actually. God’s given me much to be thankful for. I’m learning to choose thankfulness in the midst of trial, disappointment and struggles. It’s definitely a purposeful action that helps counteract other emotions.
Thank you, Beth, for sharing your wisdom and insights here. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Author
You, Jeanne, are a woman of faith who constantly asks, “Where is God in this situation.”
Thanks for modeling that choice to me, over and over again.
I remember the Thanksgiving when my attitude was anything but thankful, all the while, everyone else seemed to buzz about gratitude. All I could think to share was “I’m grateful I don’t have to be grateful for anything.” Hey, “grateful in everything.”
Today, I’m grateful I walked through the pain of my ingratitude and made it to the other side. I’m also grateful for you and your family, Beth. And for our friendship. I hope your day is relaxed and tasty and fully of thanksgiving.
Author
We walk through those times and are better able to treasure those days when gratitude comes easy — yes?
I’m blessed by you following God, and your craft, “as the deer panteth for the water,” and for the wise words you seek Him to post every day, that encourage and bless us–and sometimes inspire us to try to do the same.
Author
Thank you for your friendship, dearest Dee!
Ditto what everyone else has said. I am blessed by your blog every time! And reminded that God is able. And to praise Him even when we don’t feel like it. Happy Thanksgiving!
Author
A Happy Thanksgiving to you, Pat! Enjoy your newly remodeled home!