Everything I've Got

Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—
Psalm 111:1a&b The Message Bible

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to complain? There is a real propensity to only see the down side of things. We are bombarded by today's media with so-called reality shows - sensationalizing the ugly side of people... not ugly opposite of good-looking. Ugly as in mean and hateful. And then there are the other shows and news programs that prey on people's fears. If we're not careful, we get tunnel vision and all we see is bad. And all we talk about is bad. We can easily become blinded to the good in our lives.

Recently, I was touching base with someone I've only visited with a few times in the last couple decades. At one time, we were in each other's daily lives. And, as we are wont to do, we tend to remember people as they were when last we were with them. We don't allow for the change brought about by a decade or two of time and choices. But here's the great news - at least it was for me.

In responding to her questions, I realized just how much God has done in my life in the last 19 years! How He's caused me to grow in my relationship with Him and with others. How He is the Lifter of my head! How He has patiently - lovingly - taught me how to cast all my burden on Him because He cares for me! I love the way The Message Bible reads in Philippians 4: 12-13, Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. And because of the opportunity to reflect, to stop and look back - that selah moment - I have been enjoying a praise party! They're the best!

I keep thinking of the verse in that great old hymn, How Great Thou Art.

"And when I think that God His Son not sparing sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in... That on the Cross - my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin!"

Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—

Prayer:

Father,
         Forgive us when we whine and complain and take our eyes off of You and all that You've done to redeem us from sin and save us from ourselves. When I think about all of that and MORE, then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee... How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Father, help us to stay focused to think on these good things, according to Your Word in Philippians 4. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen