Gratitude Series | November 13, 2022
Thanksgiving | Gratitude | Give Thanks | God
Gratitude Series:
November 6, 2022 | November 13, 2022 | November 20, 2022 | November 27, 2022
Keeping a Gratitude Journal
“Keeping”.
What do I mean with that word and my gratitude journal? For me, it means to guard gratitude in my heart on a daily basis, to have giving thanks as the first thing on my mind when I wake up each morning. “Keeping” means picking up my pen and notebook and writing down my morning’s thoughts before I start my day.
These consistent actions help me keep my gratitude journal growing every day, creating a library of entries in which I give thanks for God’s blessings. When times are hard, and they often are, I can pick up my gratitude journal and read reminders of God’s loving care. That’s just one benefit of keeping my gratitude journal a growing, living document.
My Entries this Past Week
[In daily order]
I’m grateful for:
sad feelings, for I then cry out to God and He comforts me
old hymns and contemporary praise songs
freedoms I have in my country today (General Election Day)
God helping us fix two water leaks in our home
prayer warriors I can contact at any time
the book of Ephesians
colleagues who appreciate my work and freely express their thanks
my sisters in the faith in our women’s Bible study group
I’m grateful for my favorite old hymns and contemporary praise songs. When I feel sad or discouraged, I turn to either my streaming music service or my CDs. I listen to worship songs that put my focus back on God’s truth through His word and on His unchanging character.
I also fire up my favorite worship songs when my heart is filled with joy and praise, and I when I want to sing along with a virtual choir. Virtual choirs on YouTube grew a great deal during COVID in 2020 and 2021, when people didn’t gather together in person. One producer of virtual choirs, David Wesley (Canada) is my favorite. Please enjoy his rendition of “Revelation Song” (words and music by Jennie Lee Riddle) along with participants from 29 countries, and cello prodigy Elijah de la Motte:
This past week, the Holy Spirit reminded me of what is recorded in 1 Chronicles 16 when King David brought the ark of the covenant and the tabernacle to Jerusalem, before the temple was built. David instructed the choirs to sing praises for all that God had done, for who He is:
1 Chronicles 16:23-26, 34 (BSB)
23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Proclaim His salvation day after day.24 Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all peoples.25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but it is the LORD who made the heavens.34 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His loving devotion endures forever.
The One who is greater than all other supernatural beings, Yahweh, who created the galaxies and the planet we inhabit; this amazing being is personal, and is my Savior who steadfastly loves me now and for eternity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, amen!
Maranatha, come Lord Jesus!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Conversation & Community
What are you grateful for?
Let me know in the Comments. Feel free to share only what you’re comfortable posting on a public forum.
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