A Thousand Blessings

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever (Psalm 106:1). The importance of having a grateful heart can not be stressed to much. It's really encouraging and faith producing to regularly spend time pondering all that God (Elohim) has blessed our lives with. That is what the first thanksgiving was all about. We too should take time, not just to enjoy a special meal with loved ones, but also to think about all of God's numerous blessings to us and give thanks for them. 

While it's good to get alone with God and think about all his blessings, you can also go around the Thanksgiving table and have each person share what they are grateful for. Included in the following poem are a few blessings I'm grateful for. 

A THOUSAND BLESSINGS

Not just a thousand blessings,

But oh so many more,

Countless in number,

Or so it seems,

Gifts from a gracious Father,

Who wants only our best,

What is love?

But the Father’s heart revealed?

A love so unquenchable,

He sent his only son,

To die for our sin,

Grace upon grace,

Totally undeserved,

Yet so lavishly bestowed,

Nature’s awesome beauty,

Sweet fellowship with God,

Caring family,

Close Friends,

Enjoyable work,

A healthy lifestyle,

A comfortable home,

A peaceful life,

Simple pleasures,

Satisfying delights,

That fill the empty places,

As nothing else can.

From a Place of Rest

Jesus wants to be our all in all  As the beautiful worship chorus says, He wants to be our strength when we are weak (Philippians 4:13). Jesus desires to give us his wisdom generously and without reproach (James 1:5). He longs to give us joy unspeakable (I Peter 1:8). If you'll but ask, the Prince of Peace will fill you with his peace (John 14:27). He who is love wants to abide in each of us in all his love (I John 4:16). Jesus also desires to heal us (Isaiah 53:5) and set us free (John 8:36).  

The list of all our Savior longs to be for us is long. Everything from our Strong Tower to our Light to our Good Shepherd and so much more. Reading through the Bible and writing down all the Father and Son long to be for us is so encouraging. It really builds faith or trust.

Learning to trust allows you to rest. Especially if you were raised in a dysfunctional home where no one was trustworthy, learning to trust again is a journey which takes time. Jesus is so patient. He never rushes us faster than we can go. Step by loving step he brings healing and deliverance and shows how totally faithful he is. 

From a Place of Rest

May all that I do,

All that I say,

Be done,

From a place of rest,

In you my Lord,

Not struggling to perform, 

Nor striving to measure up,

Knowing your love,

Your acceptance of me,

Your approving smile,

Is what matters most,

Exchanging my weakness,

For your strength,

My struggle,

For your peace,

My sadness,

For your joy,

My impatience,

For your patience,

My fleshly reasoning,

For your wisdom,

My selfish desires,

For your righteous ones,

And so many more,

Which you long to do,

Healing and setting me free,

Flowing out to a broken world,

Through me,

Healing and setting people free.