It is a Good Thing by Susan Barclay

Does anyone else remember this little ditty (based on Psalm 92)?

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord;

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord;

And to sing praises unto Thy name,

O most High.

It was one of the first things to pop into my head when I thought about this month’s theme: it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.

It is a good thing, but not always an easy thing. When we go through trials, struggles, discouragements, despair, it is more natural to complain, whine, pout, or ask ‘why me?’ than to say, ‘thanks, God!’

I recently heard, or read, that we don’t have to express gratitude for our troubles. But in the midst of them we can always find something to be thankful for:

• Thank You for the strength to get through each day
• Thank You for those who are joining with me in prayer
• Thank You that this difficulty is drawing me closer to You
• Thank You for breath

I’m so hoping that this year will be better than 2016, but there are no guarantees. Much of what I’m dealing with is out of my personal control or even influence. I can’t make other people see the light or see reason or choose to do what is necessary to improve their situation.

All I know for sure is that I have a good, good Father, and I can decide to praise Him in this storm. It is a good thing, so I will do it, trusting that however life plays out, He always loves, cares, pursues and heals. He never forgets or forsakes His own. May His will be done.

___________

Please visit Susan's new website at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.ca

A Life of Praise - Susan Barclay

I had originally planned on enumerating the many things I have to be thankful for right now, but as I sat down to write this post, I had something of an epiphany. While it's good and important to express my thanks for the ways in which God has blessed me, it's far more valuable to live a life of praise. When I live in such a way, I bless God; I put the attention on Him, which is absolutely where the focus belongs. It truly isn't all about me.

Recently my church has been working through a study of the book One Month to Live: 30 Days to a No Regrets Life by Kerry and Chris Shook. In the book "Readers examine how they can live passionately, love completely, learn humbly, and leave boldly to create a legacy that endures for generations after they're gone" (quote taken from the website). I am coming to understand that such a life is one that points observers to God. For example, when we live passionately, we are less likely to be sidetracked or distracted from our purpose, and are more likely to live out every moment while maintaining self control and setting boundaries. We make the most of every opportunity and are not overtaken by fear and apprehension. We live as children of the light, seeking to make a real difference in the world and to honour Him.

It is easy to give lip service to God and easy to sing praise songs without even thinking about the words that come out of our mouths. It is far more difficult for our actions to reflect our praise and devotion to Him. This is where we must depend on Christ in us; it is He who is to do the living, and I for one am thankful that I am not expected to go it alone. What I need to do, though, and often it's on a minute-by-minute basis, is to keep my thoughts Christ-centred. When I do this, the actions will follow.

I found this song by Casting Crowns that describes what the Life of Praise looks like. Close your eyes and listen to the words. Meditate on them. Write a response.

Let's not be so busy today that we can't take a few minutes to raise our hands to the God of the Nations, Lion of Judah, Rock of the Ages, Alpha and Omega. Let's not give Him lip service only, but through our actions live lives of true praise.


For more of my writing, please visit me at www.susan-barclay.ca