Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)
How does my unconscious body know my husband is not lying beside me while I sleep, or rather, don’t sleep? He is traveling for work. One would think I would enjoy the quiet and respite from the usual routine. But no, I tossed and turned all night. I was awake before dawn and live in Phoenix, where this week’s forecasted temperatures range between 109 and 114 degrees. So, I decided to do a few chores in the backyard before the day’s heat. A recent storm had pulled down some of our lights. And my shedding dog desperately needed brushing. But I couldn’t find the zip ties to fix the lights. Nor could I find the dog’s brush. “Fine! I will just go have a cup of coffee then!” I mumbled as I stomped back inside.
But when I went into my bedroom for shoes, I noticed how dark it was. So I opened the blinds. And right outside, sitting on the table, was the dog’s brush. Thank you, God! And when I stepped out onto the patio and began brushing the dog, it started raining! So, I laughed and thanked Him again because I wasn’t standing on a ladder in my pajamas when it started raining! Thank you for the rain our dusty desert desperately needs.
I am Thankful God always has us in his sights. Today’s key verse reminds us He knows what we need, even when we don’t ask Him. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:7-10, NIV)
The world reminds us to “stop and smell the roses.” But perhaps what we should really do is stop and look for God’s gifts. They are all around us: We see them in a sunset, hear them in a baby’s laughter, smell them in a flower, taste them in a soothing cup of tea, and touch them with every hug. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17, NIV)
After we sense God’s gifts all around us, we can be grateful and thank Him. You see, Gratitude changes everything. “The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” – Dr. Robert Holden
A good friend and mentor taught me a lesson about gratitude. After I lost my son, I struggled with depression for a long time. So, one day, she suggested I begin a gratitude list. She tasked me with writing ten things per day for which I felt grateful. Let me tell you, this was actually not as easy as it sounds. Because once you exhaust all the obvious things, you must begin noticing all the little things: words, actions, and details of your day. I began noting and thanking God for things, like the colors of a butterfly’s wing, the smile on the cashier’s face, and even because my husband turned his shirt right side out before putting it in the laundry.
Within a couple of weeks, I was amazed at the transformation in my mood and attitude about life. My perspective had completely changed. The glass was no longer half full. My circumstances hadn’t changed one bit, but I began feeling God’s peace seep into my being. I found out firsthand: Your mood can be renewed with an attitude of gratitude!
If you are struggling to find a smile or merely feeling as if you are walking through the monotony of life, try creating a gratitude list. Then begin thanking God for all the tiny, beautiful details of your life. But most importantly, thank Him for His love. As David said, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7, NIV)
Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for your steadfast love. Thank you for always seeing what I need, even when I can’t. Help me see You and Your blessings in all the intimate details of my life. Thank you, Lord, for all the little things. As I wake up each morning, help me say, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, NKJV)) In Jesus’ name, Amen
