Thank the Lord

We have so very much to be thankful for, even in our darkest hours of despair. When we face heartbreak and regret, pain, sickness and sorrows, the devastation of our families, the endless fear factoring of the media, the financial woes and unknowns of these days, we can follow the wisdom of the saints who’ve gone before us.  One of my favorite old hymn choruses goes like this:

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God has done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

I would never want to minimize the suffering you or your family or friend may have endured.  Domestic abuse is betrayal and fear and trauma and terrible pain that not many people understand in our churches or circles.  We often feel isolated and alone.  We often feel hopeless.  We wonder where God is when we are hurting.

And yet… There is something to be said for counting blessings and expressing thankfulness, even on our worst days.  When we look up, remembering that God is our heavenly Father, that Jesus is our merciful Savior and the Holy Spirit is our constant counselor and comforter, we can actually experience that peace that passes understanding.  Peace will change our sad hearts to joyful hearts overflowing with gratitude to the One who gives us breath, heartbeats and brainwaves.

Ready to count with me?

1. Thank you God for making me.
2. Thank you for choosing me before the beginning of time.
3. Thank you for adopting me into Your family and being my Father.
4. Thank you for saving me at the Cross.
5. Thank you for giving me the blessed hope of Your glorious appearing.
6. Thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ who love me
7. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who helps me everyday.
8. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and they are many.
9. Thank you for Your Word which is Truth.
10. Thank you that my future is secure in Christ.
11. Thank you for FOCUS Ministries and Paula’s leadership over the years.
12. Thank you for grace like gravy.
13. Thank you for food and shelter, clothing and cars.
14. Thank you for protecting me from danger.
15. Thank you for every provision.
16. Thank you for giving me strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
17. Thank you even for the hard times because they drive me into Your everlasting arms for comfort.
18. Thank you that we live in these times, strange though they may be.
19. Thank you for every healing whether emotional, physical or spiritual.     
20. Thank you for the freedom to worship you in our churches and homes.

Thank you to the people who read this blog and are praying for this ministry.  We are so thankful for your ongoing support.  We are grateful for the folks who came to our Partners in the Journey training last month.  We are so thankful that we can do the work of ministers, counselors and teachers.  Thank you for coming to the support groups, whether online or in person.  Thank you for always challenging us to hang in there and keep on believing for the Lord’s goodness and deliverance to every woman we minister to.  We are so very thankful to you all.  Happy Thanksgiving and all blessings to you.