Monday, January 6, 2014

His Joyful Presence


  


       “You have made known to me the path of life;
You will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11(NIV)


When I opened my copy of ‘Jesus Calling’ as I do each morning, I found this nugget of wisdom:
“Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity.”

As I reflect on what I initially write here, I am thankful for God’s presence in my life.
His presence with His children gives hope for even the direst circumstance we have. Even when we don’t realize it God is present with us. As God’s children, we have many things to give Him thanks for: for Jesus, for our salvation, and especially for His presence.

In our nation, we celebrate a holiday called Thanksgiving. One way people celebrate that time of year is to practice the act of remembering the many things that they are thankful for. I have read online where people say we should practice thanksliving. I try to do that every day by reflecting on the good things that happen to me each day and look at them as a gift from God.

When I have a questionable day-a day that has something hard or distasteful happen- I have to look to see how God was there. Was there a way that the event might have been worse?
 I keep a list on my portable word processor. I started keeping this list when I read 1,000 Gifts Devotional Book, by Ann Voskamp. A few years ago, I kept a praise list. By keeping a thankful/praise/gift list, we learn to thank God for all things. Most of all we can thank Him for His presence.
Dear Lord God:

Thank You for being with us at all times—even when we can’t feel you with us. Thank You for your protection when we go through troublesome times. I give You praise. In the name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN


Praise Hymn:In Your Presence

Graphic: freeimageslive.co.uk

6 comments:

  1. You are an inspiration!
    I keep lovely thank you notes and tape them on my closet doors, to remind me to have a thankful heart.
    Today I'm thankful that my mom was not hurt in her house fire, and that we've kept our electricity in spite of this awful winter storm. God is so faithful.

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  2. Jeanette: Thank you for the kind words.

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  3. I agree with Jeanette, this is inspiring. My goal is to have more of an attitude of gratitude this year. Today I am thankful for a warm house and wonderful family and friends (like you!).

    Blessings,
    Karen

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    Replies
    1. Karen: Thank you for your warm thoughts. God blesses us with so much that our thankfulness should overflow out of our hearts, like a fountain.

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  4. Wonderful words of wisdom. Thanks so much for sharing and keep them coming.

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    Replies
    1. Mary: Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your thoughts,

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