Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1
Hello Friend,
“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your blessings, name them one-by-one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Have you heard those lyrics before; I mean really heard the words down deep in your soul, have you taken them in and made them your own?
I find it easy to give thanks when things are going smoothly; when Jim is behaving nicely and the kids are acting normal—whatever that might mean. When my blood pressure is normal and my pulse is lively, I praise on my knees. But, oh my, those storm winds do blow at times, the waves become turbulent, and my faith, well, it becomes shaky. I ponder the “what if’s.” I cry out in terror. I curse the storms that disturb my sleep at night and wreak havoc on my serenity during the day. Lord, why storms? And the answer is always, “They are a part of life’s pattern.” Mountain tops and valleys. The ups and downs.
I prefer smooth sailing under calm skies. Yet the questions looms large, “Can you and I roll with the current of life’s ebb and flow?” Can we surf the waves and enjoy the ride? Can you and I give thanks even as we sink briefly below the surface and swallow life’s salty side? I have decided that I am going to strap myself to the stern of my life and bravely face the storm. And to let another hymn summarize my faith, “Through it all; through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I‘ve learned to trust in God.” And in the midst of it all, and you know what I mean, I give thanks. Thank you, God, for your Presence, through it all. Thank you God, for your guiding light showing me the way to safety. Through it all, I give you praise for your steadfast love.
Prayer for Today: Father, teach me moment by moment to trust you. And in the midst of life’s struggles, teach me to count my blessings, one-by-one. Surprise me with what the Lord hath done. Louder than thunder, I shout my praises, Linda