| Psalm 107:1 – “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” |
As we close this week, let me share something that took me a long time to learn.
We sing the song, “count your many blessings.”
And it’s a good sentiment. It forces us to examine the blessings of life, where God had touched us in a special way.
But I always felt there was something missing. And I know what it is.
It doesn’t include the why.
Several years ago, an author suggested that every day you sit down and list out 10 things you are grateful for. But then he added and put down why that causes gratitude for you.
So, for many years, as I write in my journal every morning, I end the session with these words: I am thankful for…
I won’t share much of my list but let me give you a few that have come to me.
Spending time with my grandchildren. Even though it takes a lot of energy, it is where joy dwells.
A healthy life because my body carries me through life and helps me live.
People who encourage me because it is easy to be forgotten in a busy world.
The “why” at the end forces you to think more deeply about blessings.
What does it do for you? What would life be without it?
How are you enriched by this? Why is it a blessing?
A blessing is something that does something for you that life would not be worth as much without.
The psalmist said:
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1, ESV)
We thank the Lord because of what he does for us. He loves us despite ourselves and accepts even the sinner as we are. There is a reason we are grateful for God.
So, as we close this week, count your blessings but don’t leave off the why.
–Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
