As we face this hustle and bustle time of year, I wanted to take a minute to write about celebrating -with praise to God! It is easy to get busy focusing on our “wants” during the holidays; we forget to recognize the One who blessed us so abundantly. We confuse our “wants” with our “needs” to the point of incorrectly connecting happiness with possessions.
Recently, this quote came to my mind:
“Happiness is not having what you want. It is wanting what you have.” (Rabbi Hyman Schachtel)
God has blessed us abundantly. If only we could slow down and realize that we have so much for which to be thankful. Then, in celebration, praise God for His blessings.
I think most people would agree that sometimes scripture is so hard to read and understand. That is until you read Psalm 145. It was the focus “scripture of the day” today, November 25, 2019. I couldn’t bring myself to pull just a small section out of this book in Psalms. I so enjoyed reading (and re-reading) this scripture today that I wanted to share the entire chapter, Psalm 145:
“1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you.
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
14 The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name
forever and ever.”
I think I will make a copy of this to share with my friends and family. I hope you will do the same. It will be encouraging to have it close so we can refer back to it regularly.
Sometimes Christians need to sit quietly, listen to His still small voice, and simply enjoy His presence. I encourage you to take that time, read and share this scripture, and enjoy the moment. Begin celebrating the holidays, and every day, with the Word of God! The book of Psalms is a great place to begin.
Wendy Griffin
Lean into Jesus Ministries
The Lean into Jesus Ministries team is thankful for you! We wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!
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