1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. 6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. 7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. 8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. (Psalm 63:1-8 NLT)
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
Another reminder of Thank-giving! A time set aside, each November, to think about God's blessings. Things we are thankful -- grateful -- for. One day of giving intentional thanks to God‘ -- for who God is and what he does for us. To give thought to God’s grace, God’s activity, in our daily living every day of the year.
When: our souls thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
This image of being thirsty, parched and weary is common in our lives. We feel tired and sometimes alone. The psalmist can relate! However, in the Old Testament times, God was more real to people. They were very cognizant of the realness of God. And they somehow knew that God was very active and present in their midst.
Today we are not so sure about that! We have become more disconnect from the idea that God is still working in our world, and in our very own lives. God is not as real today! More distant! Maybe too silent!
And so, this one week of the year we attempt to focus on what we are thankful for. One of the common traditions, around a family table, these days is to have each person say what they are thankful for. All kinds of things are named! But not often is God on the list! Except of course during grace when thanks is given for the delicious fool about to be shared.
I do not believe that the reason that God is often left out of the conversation is because of a lack of faith in our gracious God. No! I think it is something like a shyness! Maybe a concern that people might think you are "too religious." Or that it will make others feel awkward. Maybe make the moment too serious in the all the laughter and sharing.
That is sad to me! Because, if the truth be known, there are probably many around that table that would be glad. Grateful that someone was brave enough to speak. Its like praying out loud! The thought of praying out loud makes people sweat! It make their stomachs tighten up! And their brains go blank!
They are afraid that they won't do it "right." Or that their words will seem too simple; or not eloquent enough.
Do you know what? God doesn't care about how eloquent you are!
So, as you gather with your family, and friends this year, why don't you speak? Why don't you say, in your ordinary way, how grateful you are for God's presence in your life?
3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast..... your strong right hand holds me securely.
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