It felt strange not posting anything yesterday . . .but I purposely wanted to take a day to reflect and to see where I wanted to go next with this blog. I do not want this to be “just another thing” to drain my energy and cause me to feel defeated and useless . . .
The first thing I noticed is that my “thankfulness meter” is more fine-tuned, and for that I am immensely grateful!!! Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness!
Psalm 9:1, 2 — I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Such a lofty introduction! But then the next few verses line out his enemies, and what God will do to them eventually. . . and you remember that David is probably on the run when he writes this psalm, and not sitting in his palace listening to quiet music and sipping tea . . .
Which is my reminder that being thankful and giving thanks is NOT dependent on my circumstances. My attitude can be thankful because God is faithful. He never changes.
Psalm 9:7-10 . . .But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Such a reason to give thanks! God will never forsake me. He will never decide that I am too much bother and not worth His time. When I feel like I am too much bother for ME to handle . . .that is such good news.
Psalm 9:11-14 — Sing praises to the Lord . . .Tell among the peoples his deeds! For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. Be gracious to me, O Lord! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death, that I may recount all your praises . . .I may rejoice in your salvation.
My current “enemy” is my own body. The very nature of autoimmune is my body fighting against itself. But God has not forgotten me. He knows. And He is not allowing this right now because He wants to see me squirm. When I see how faithful He is to be Immanuel — God with me — even in my pain and isolation —
I can tell of His deeds among the people. I can thank Him (through this blog and by letters of encouragement, etc), and as I do, my heart is filled with praise.
And a heart filled with praise has no more room for worry, or complaining.
And I am so grateful. . .
Plea for Grace 