Inspiring Gratitude – and Happy Thanksgiving from our Team!

November 22, 2017 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving from your DoNotDepart team! We are so thankful for you! While we love doing what we do, we know our ministry wouldn’t exist with out our dear readers. So, to encourage you as you prepare for the “big day” of gratitude and praise, we’d like to share this image with you— feel free to download it, save it, and share it on your social media. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share the image directly from there.

If you’d like some Thanksgiving articles to prompt praise, here are a few articles and posts from around the web that you might find helpful:

“When You Don’t Feel Thankful” (by Lindsey Bell at The M.O.M. Initiative.) A good read for anyone who has experienced loss near the holidays or when we need a change in perspective.
“How Can We Give Thanks in All Circumstances?” from DesiringGod.org. “If the joy Jesus promises is real and you believe him, there’s no circumstance that can steal your thanksgiving.”
“Look through the Lens of Thanksgiving” — from DesiringGod.org. When you can’t see much (or anything) in your life to be thankful for, or when misery is more prominent that joy in your life, look through the lens of thanksgiving and see how God changes your perspective.
“A Thanksgiving Hallelujah “– from (in)Courage.me. If you’re hurting this Thanksgiving, your giving of thanks may be a true sacrifice of praise. This post has beautiful encouragement!
“Gratitude is the Catalyst” from (in)courage. Gratitude is important because it spurs thoughts, action, and intention.
“Thanksgiving, Thanksfeeling, and the Glory of God” – Pastor John Piper explains to us that not all thanksgivings are true thanks”feelings.” This post will really help you check the posture of your heart while giving thanks.
And last but not least, our thanksgiving series from 2014 where:
- Patti (and her son) reminded us that God loves us regardless and forever, with an abundance of forgiveness.
- Kathy reminded us that God is our refuge, protector, and strength in times of trouble.
- Lisa so powerfully shared that even with all the bruises on our souls, God still has purposes for each of us, and that means we can still share love.
- Lindsey pinpointed one really good reason to give thanks (hint: it has to do with Christ).
- Caroline shared that we can rejoice any day and here’s why.
- Ali highlighted that our best response is to turn this gratitude into praise for His light.

Do you feel thankful? We have links to posts that will prompt praise. Happy Thanksgiving friends!

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We pray that you’d be greatly blessed as you worship the Lord and give Him all the praise and thanksgiving due His name!

Happy Thanksgiving to your and yours from your DND Team: Ali, Alyssa, Caroline, Jaime, Lisa, and Patti.

Are You Here Today?

July 20, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 6 Comments

Do you spend too much time thinking about the past?

Mistakes you made.
Things you could have done differently.
He said/she said stuff.

Or do you worry more about the future?

What if this happens?
What if it doesn’t?
How would you manage that?

We’re all tempted to live before and behind.

But God’s solution is for us to stay in today. That’s why I love this timeless post from Caroline. She reminds us to switch to gratitude for this day, this moment.

Enjoy this repost from 2012 that is just as fresh today as it will be tomorrow.

Thankful for Today

by Caroline

Each day is a gift.

We know this, right? But how often do we have to remind ourselves when we’re exhausted, weary, feeling beaten, or stressed?

Some days are tougher than others, and some days reach the “toughest” category. Can we be thankful even in the middle of those days?

Switching to Gratitude

I’ve often experienced the effects of switching my mindset to one of gratitude for that day, that moment.

I might feel frustrated with my lack of sleep or overloaded with “to-dos” and “want-to-dos.” My shoulders hunch with the burden of frustration with myself, my stomach churns nervously, and my heart quickens at the mere thought of failing my children or my husband or, worse, my God.

In these moments, when I shift to a focus on gratitude, the response is drastic.

My shoulders soften, my stomach eases, and my heart calms.

Gratitude changes my psychological and physiological responses. The effect is measurable. (As Ann Voskamp has said on her blog, research and science only support scriptural truth.) Being thankful for today in turn keeps me in the current moment and better able to see the joy He has placed right in front of me.

Even in the middle of my son’s hospital stays, I can find something to be thankful for each day.

What’s in a Day

What if you’re experiencing terrifying circumstances or depressed thoughts or general weariness? How can you see gratitude in those moments?

No matter what today brings, I try to remember:

God is here (Psalm 118:7) and active (Psalm 118:15-16).
God created today (Genesis 1:3-5).
God protects and is trustworthy (Psalm 118:8).
God saves (Psalm 118:21).
God loves—forever!

Look back at how Psalm 118 begins:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”

His love endures forever.

Stop and Praise

When I’m feeling foul, sometimes I need to go through the physical act of thankfulness to pull me out of a deepening pit. As soon as I realize I’m about to bark about a disturbance, if I pause and speak two or three things I thank God for out loud, I begin to feel those relieving effects.

Gratitude inspires praise. Praise focuses beyond me.

“The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24)

And what else were we made for than to see Him, receive Him, praise Him, and share His love?

What are you thankful for today? Please share in the comments.

Thanksgiving Blessing Tree: A Family Activity

November 25, 2015 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Make a Thanksgiving Blessing Tree with your family this year! Count your blessings around the table and create a unique holiday decoration at the same time!

A Thanksgiving blessing tree is a unique way to decorate for Thanksgiving, that also nurtures a heart of gratitude in your children.

This is an activity we used to do every year when my children were small, and that we are reviving this year. After all, you are never too old to be thankful! In the past I have traced leaves by hand on construction paper, but this year I made a leaf printable, with scriptures on one side of each leaf.

The premise is simple – create a “tree” out of bare branches, and attach leaves on which are written things for which you are thankful. Each leaf also has a scripture on it. Reading aloud each person’s blessings around the Thanksgiving table is a family tradition I think you’ll truly enjoy.

Thanksgiving Tree

Materials

vase or flower pot
twigs or small branches
sand, floral marbles or small rocks to weight down your container
card stock or construction paper
scissors
crayons (if using white paper)
pens
tape

Instructions

1) Print your leaves. I like to print enough for at least three leaves per person, but we often use a lot more. If you can, use card stock or construction paper (see special instructions for printing on construction paper here) so the leaves will hold up better, but if all you have is printer paper, that will work too.

Printable scripture leaves for Thanksgiving tree at DoNotDepart.com — *Click on the image above to go to the downloadable file*

2) Cut out the leaves. If you give this job to your children, remember to focus on being thankful that they can use scissors safely and don’t worry too much about whether the leaves are cut perfectly. :-)

3) If you have printed on white paper or card stock, have the kids color the leaves red, yellow, orange, brown and maybe even a few green.

4) Find a few bare branches in your yard and place them in a vase or pretty flower pot. Weight the container and stabilize the branches by pouring sand, floral marbles or rocks into your container while holding the branches in position. Your “tree” is ready for leaves!

5) On Thanksgiving day have your children bring around baskets or trays with the leaves and pens to your guests. Each person can write something he or she is thankful for on the blank side of a leaf. The more leaves on your tree the better!

6) Tape the stem of each leaf onto a branch of your tree.

7) Take some time during or after the meal to read the leaves aloud.

We would love to see pictures of your Thanksgiving trees! Share them in the comments or on our facebook page!

What family traditions do you have that help you focus on your blessings at Thanksgiving?

Try this simple activity on Thanksgiving to help kids focus on their blessings. #LetTheChildrenCome

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Make a Thanksgiving blessing tree using our free scripture printable. #LetTheChildrenCome

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Uncommon Gifts Wrap-Up and Review

December 26, 2014 by Julie 1 Comment

Were the Christmas gifts given and received in your life all you hoped for? Sometimes earthly gift leave us feeling surprisingly … disappointed. Not so with #UncommonGifts. The best gifts are uncommon, given out of sacrifice for the love of giving. They outweigh the love of self, loving both to be given and received.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)

The Do Not Depart team prays that you have been encouraged by this month of celebrating our Savior and reflecting on the uncommon gifts we each have to offer Him. As we peer into the dawn of a new year, let’s give Jesus our best. Our #UncommonGifts.

A Wrap-up of Uncommon Gifts

A Gift of Worship (The Wise Men)
The Gift of Identity (Mary)
No Voice Like Yours (Zechariah)
The Uncommon Gift of Obedience (Joseph)
When Hearts Collide with Glory
Changing Plans: the Gift of the Shepherds
Christmas and Advent Books
Hospitality of the Heart

The best gifts are #UncommonGifts

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On This Day {Psalm 118:22-25}

November 20, 2014 by Caroline Leave a Comment

This month we’ve been learning about gratitude together. Its presence, its power, and its effect.

King David wrote Psalm 118, so some of these lines are written with his perspective on events in his life. But, as many theologians have agreed before us, the key reference here is Christ. Lindsey wrote on Tuesday about how Psalm 118:19-21 prophesized about Christ opening the relationship between Savior and believer. Psalm 118:22-25 expands on that thought:

“The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Save us, we pray, O Lord!
    O Lord, we pray, give us success!”

– Psalm 118:22-25

That Savior was not just ignored or unwanted – He was rejected. But, now He’s the cornerstone, the aligning, adjoining piece in the foundation of our faith. (Psalm 118:22)

Psalm 118:23 says this is “marvelous in our eyes.” Why is it marvelous? Because He is here for lasting love. And because this is “the Lord’s doing.” God did this. And because God did this, we can rejoice (Psalm 118:24).

In fact, because God made this day (this salvation day, the Sabbath day, and every other day), we can rejoice any day.

Psalm 118:25 takes an interesting turn. Suddenly the psalmist is praying for salvation and guidance.

Realizing that He is our Savior, that this is God’s plan, and that we can rejoice spurs prayer.

This knowledge (with open eyes) leads to gratitude (and open hearts) and prayer (and open to be filled).

Gratitude spurs action, particularly prayer and praise and love. All of those actions affect us and everyone else we encounter.

On this day (and everyday), we can see His work.

On this day (and everyday), we can rejoice.

On this day (and everyday), we can pray.

On this day (and everyday), we can praise.

On this day (and everyday), we can love.

What can you do to share love on this day?

Because God made this day (and every other day), we can rejoice *any* day. #GiveThanks

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Knowledge leads to gratitude. Gratitude spurs action, including prayer and praise. #GiveThanks

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3 Reasons to Thank God in Times of Trouble

November 11, 2014 by Kathy Howard 1 Comment

Are you in the midst of some trial or difficulty or heartache right now? If not, I know you’ve been there and you will be again.

The writer of Psalm 118 knew trouble. His life had not been easy. For example, verses 8-14 alone hint at betrayal and attack. He had learned that men – whether in lowly or exalted position – could not be fully trusted (Psalm 118:8-9). He had felt caught in a hopeless and dangerous situation with no way out.

But in the middle of those trials, he also experienced God’s personal intervention on his behalf. In Psalm 118:8-14, the psalmist testifies to God’s deliverance and expresses his gratitude. In this passage, we find 3 reasons to thank God when we face times of trouble:

God is our refuge – When storms are raging all around us, we will always find safety in God’s presence. He is our shelter from the storm. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). From experience, the author of Psalm 118 had learned that people are not fully trustworthy, but God can always be trusted. He learned that he could not always depend on people, but he could depend on God in any and every situation. Like the psalmist, when we’re in the midst of trouble, let’s thank God that He is our refuge. When we hide ourselves in Him, He will be our shelter!
God is our protector – When people and circumstances fight against us, we do not have to wonder or worry about victory. God Himself goes with His people and fights for them (Deuteronomy 30:3-4). When the psalmist was surrounded and swarmed by his enemies, victory came through the name of the LORD. Do you ever feel “swarmed by enemies?” Call on the name of the LORD. Thank Him that He is your protector!
God is our strength – Verse 14 sums up this section of Psalm 118. “The LORD is my strength, and my song; He has become my salvation.” God saves! He will deliver us through trouble with the strength of His might. He is our reason to sing, so let us lift a song of praise and thanksgiving to the God who is our strength!

God is our refuge, our protector, and our strength! Thank Him today, especially in the midst of trouble.

How else can you thank God today? Express your gratitude in the comment section.

Give Thanks {A Study on Psalm 118}

November 4, 2014 by Caroline 5 Comments

Gratitude changes pretty much every aspect of our daily lives.

With gratitude, our perspectives on what we have change.

With gratitude, our worries about the future ease.

With gratitude, our views on interruptions and rocky paths alter.

Regardless of what situation we’re currently in, can we remain grateful?

Psalm 118 says, YES.

Why?

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!“

And that’s just verse 1.

We can always give thanks because He is good. Because His love lasts. Because He is our Salvation (Psalm 118:14).

We’re studying Psalm 118 all this month here at Do Not Depart. Each of our writers will read and study a few verses with you each post. We invite you to join us, give thanks with us, and revel in His endless love with us.

Read through Psalm 118 once today. What verses stick out to you? Share them in the comments!

We’re studying Psalm 118 all this month. Join us, #GiveThanks with us, and revel in His love with us:

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Regardless of what situation we’re currently in, can we remain grateful? Here’s what Psalm 118 says:

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Songs, hymns & spiritual songs as Bible study tools

April 1, 2014 by Julie 3 Comments

So many events in our lives are accompanied by a background track. Songs speak to our hearts when only music can be heard above the noise, the pain, the questions, or the confusion. God uses worship music to help us grow. Has God used a song to help you find Him, know Him, follow Him, or worship Him?

The Do Not Depart team knows what it is to experience songs, hymns, and spiritual songs as powerful tools for truth in our lives. Our Bible study is better because of the faith-filled music playing in our lives.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)

This month join us as we look at how God uses music to richly plant His word in us. We’ll share songs that teach and admonish us through the depth of their true messages. We’ll talk about the lyrics and sounds that have given gratitude a means of expression in our own lives. As we do, we pray you will be inspired to use songs, hymns, and spiritual songs as Bible study tools in your own life.

#BibleStudy is better because of faith-filled music playing in our lives. http://bit.ly/1i1mgzk @DoNotDepart #SingPraise < Click to TWEET & share!

Learning to Be Thankful {guest post month}

November 5, 2013 by Guest Post 9 Comments

This guest post is from Lindsey Bell. See her full bio at the end of the post.

I never thought I would need to learn to be thankful.

As a teenager and young adult, I was typically cheerful. Of course, I had my bad days, but most of the time, I was positive.

Lately, though, I’ve realized I’m not as upbeat as I used to be.

The daily demands of being a stay-at-home mother, combined with multiple miscarriages, left me feeling less than thankful about my life.

About a year ago, after our fourth miscarriage, I decided something had to change. I was tired of crying all the time and tired of failing to enjoy the kids I have because of my constant desire for another.

Basically, I was tired of being discontent.

That’s what led me to this verse in 1 Thessalonians: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

What I love about this verse is that Paul wrote these words to a group of believers who were being persecuted for their faith.

He didn’t write them to happy-go-lucky believers who didn’t have to worry about anything. No, he wrote them to believers whose lives were being threatened, quite possibly on a daily basis.

These were men and women who—by appearance alone—had few reasons to be thankful. Torture was a very real possibility. So was prison and death.

Nonetheless, Paul challenged these people to be thankful in all circumstances.

A Thankfulness Challenge

As I thought about this verse over the past year and tried to wrap my head around how it’s possible to be thankful in situations like these, God taught me a few things:

1. We don’t have to thank God for the pain, but we do need to thank him in the pain.

In our day-to-day lives, this means thanking God for being with us in our trials and for helping us through the difficult days. It means recognizing He can use anything—even our most painful trials—to bring about something good.

2. We need to expect difficulties.

One of the reasons our miscarriages have been so difficult is because I mistakenly believed God would never allow this much pain into my life. I thought He would protect me from it.

Unfortunately, God never promised us pain-free lives. In fact, in John 16:33, Jesus promised the opposite: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Pain is a part of life, and we’re not going to escape it simply because we follow Jesus. Learning to expect difficulties can help prepare us for when they come.

3. We need to count our blessings.

When we focus on what we don’t have, we fail to enjoy the things we do.

Pain has a way of blocking our view. It’s like driving into the sun as it rises in the morning. If you look directly at it, it will prevent you from seeing anything else. But take your eyes off of it, and you can see your surroundings more clearly.

Take your eyes off your pain and fix them instead on Jesus.

It won’t remove the pain, but it will help you get through it…It will help you see the blessings that were hidden by the tears.

What has helped you be thankful in all circumstances?

About Lindsey Bell:

Lindsey Bell is the author of Searching for Sanity, a parenting devotional that will be released in January 2014. She’s also a stay-at-home mother of two, minister’s wife, avid reader, and chocolate lover. You can find Lindsey online at any of the following locations:

Her blog: www.lindsey-bell.com

Her website: www.lindseymbell.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LindseyMBell

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorLindseyBell

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LindseyMBell01

Gifts from a personal God

October 10, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 22 Comments

She may have thought the worst had already happened. Her husband had died. In the male-dominated Jewish culture, women were economically dependent upon male relatives.

At least she still had her son.

Then the unthinkable occurred: her only son also died. Would this double loss be her end?

WHO WAS SHE?

Who was this woman from Nain, Israel? We don’t know her name; Luke didn’t record it (Luke 7:11-17). While he told more stories about women than the other three gospel writers, he only relayed names of ten women in stories where they had parts to play. Ten others with roles remain unnamed.

Did these unnamed women not matter as much?

Do you not matter as much when you’re not acknowledged by name?

No and no. They mattered. You matter.

GRACE IN HER STORY

The widow in Luke 7 was on the road to her son’s funeral. Her final gift was to follow his dead body to its burial outside the city gates. Many were with her, helping her grieve and carry her son.

But unbeknownst to her, her crowd was about to intersect the path of another crowd, being led by Jesus.

She was about to discover resurrection. And it would be personal.

Jesus saw her. He talked to her. He told her not to cry. Even though she didn’t ask for His help (Jesus had yet to raise the dead—Jairus’s daughter and Lazarus were yet to come), He was about to give her a magnificent gift of grace anyway.

He touched the coffin. Everyone froze. Then talking directly to the dead son, Jesus said, “Wake up!”

And the dead man sat up and talked.

The crowd was awed. They’d personally witnessed a visit from God. They spread the news everywhere of their experience.

GRACE IN YOUR STORY

Even today, Jesus still sees. Even when you don’t know what to ask for, He knows exactly what you need.

It might not be a physical resurrection. That’s not always the best gift anyway.

On the day my mother died of Alzheimer’s, I wouldn’t have wanted her to return to that body. God blessed me instead with other gifts of grace—personalized for my family—to help us heal.

He graces you with resurrection in still other ways. Maybe with a restoration of hope. A friend to share your pain. An open door to something new.

While His salvation gift may look the same for all, His other gifts of grace are unique, personalized just for you.

To fit your personality
To favor your circumstances
To fill your holes

GOD IS PERSONAL

So maybe it’s on purpose that the widow wasn’t named. Maybe you’re supposed to fill your own name in the blank. And watch for how God will intersect your path, showing up with monogrammed gifts just for you.

There’s nothing impersonal about God. If you think there is, you have the wrong view of Him.

He is good, He is generous, and He is personal.

He knows everyone by name and by need. Including you.

That’s a gift of grace worth celebrating.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:19-20

* * *

What gifts of grace have you received after a loss?

How has God blessed you in a unique way, perfect just for you? Please share in the comments.

Giving Thanks for the Small

November 29, 2012 by Teri Lynne Underwood 14 Comments

Two years ago I read [amazon_link id=”0310321913″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]a book that echoed deep within the God-seeking, list-making recesses of my heart[/amazon_link]. I’d been listing gifts for several years at that point, though I didn’t number them. Sunday mornings were spent journal in one hand, calendar in the other recalling the little blessings and moments of the week just passed.

I’d learned this lesson about worship: my heart is better prepared to focus on Him when I’ve already spent time focusing on Who He is and all He’s done for me. I enter the sanctuary of our church ready to encounter Him more deeply when I’d intentionally given thanks beforehand. And so my journals are filled with Sunday lists of lunches with friends, moments with my husband, unexpected accomplishments, and opportunities to give. When I started blogging I added a “Fab Five” each Friday numbering five of the joys from the week.

For almost 17 years I’ve been counting in one form or another.

I was looking through some old journals and found lists written by a newlywed … with gratitude for a husband who surprised me with dinner out and the celebration of Christmas in our first home. I found scribbled notes of gratitude scratched out by a very tired nursing mom who wanted to remember the peaceful moments of 2 am feedings and singing softly over her little girl, “Lord, prepare her to be a sanctuary …”

But sometimes habits get old and lists get forgotten. I’ve never made the listing into a discipline or attached a spiritual requirement to it … but I’ve also lost sight sometimes of how numbering changes me. It reminds me to slow and still and notice.

This year, I’ve spent November intentionally counting.

It’s 10:31 am on November 28th as I write this post and I just stopped to list gift #524, a verse I saw on Facebook yesterday and read again today:

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master, now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed in him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 MSG

Did you catch that last sentence?

Let your living—our living, our love and lives spilled out for Christ—let that living spill over into thanksgiving. Sometimes we neglect to let our living spill over into thanksgiving.

As we close out this month of turkeys and thankfulness listed out on Facebook and rush head-first into the chaotic Christmas season it’s going to get harder.

I love this thought from [amazon_link id=”0310321913″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Ann’s book[/amazon_link]:

Do not disdain the small. The whole of life—even the hard—is made up of the minute parts, and if I miss the infinitesimals, I miss the whole.

Of course we must be thankful for those “big” gifts of salvation, our families and friends, our churches and opportunities to serve … but maybe we also need to be intentional about gratitude for those small things too—quiet moments with a good book and coffee or an unexpected email with a kind word of encouragement. My list for November includes names and places, food and movies, Scriptures and quotes from books, sermon notes and songs. These years of listing have taught me to notice … both big and small. And to remember the Giver of every gift (James 1:17)!

Will you do me the honor of sharing just one thing, something small perhaps, that you are thankful for this day? Just a leave a comment with your note of gratitude.

Thankful for Today

November 15, 2012 by Caroline 6 Comments

Each day is a gift.

We know this, right? But how often do we have to remind ourselves when we’re exhausted, weary, feeling beaten, or stressed?

Some days are tougher than others, and some days reach the “toughest” category. Can we be thankful even in the middle of those days?

Switching to Gratitude

I’ve often experienced the effects of switching my mindset to one of gratitude for that day, that moment.

In these moments, when I shift to a focus on gratitude, the response is drastic.

My shoulders soften, my stomach eases, and my heart calms.

Even in the middle of my son’s hospital stays, I can find something to be thankful for each day.

What’s In A Day

What if you’re experiencing terrifying circumstances or depressed thoughts or general weariness? How can you see gratitude in those moments?

No matter what today brings, I try to remember:

God is here (Psalm 118:7) and active (Psalm 118:15-16).
God created today (Genesis 1:3-5).
God protects and is trustworthy (Psalm 118:8).
God saves (Psalm 118:21).
God loves—forever! Look back at how Psalm 118 begins:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”

His love endures forever.

Stop and Praise

Gratitude inspires praise. Praise focuses beyond me.

“The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24)

And what else were we made for than to see Him, receive Him, praise Him, and share His love?

How are you thankful for today? Let’s encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13) in the comments!

Can You Hear Me Now, God? – Thankful that He Listens

November 8, 2012 by Lisa Burgess 20 Comments

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer.
Psalm 61:1

I failed this week. My husband Jeff needed to talk about his frustrations at work. And he needed me to listen. But instead I twisted something he said about himself into something about me. I grew insecure, the conversation got derailed, and he felt unheard.

Who listens to you?

When you have something you need to pour out, who do you talk to? We all have go-to friends or family we know will hear us out.

But what about God? Do you go to Him?

Because you can’t watch His eyes to see if He’s paying attention, do you wonder if you have coverage? Do you think He’ll tune you out if you don’t pray with the right words? Do you think you have to be perfect to deserve an audience?

If so, it’s time to believe differently. God does listen. Here’s how you can know.

God hears because:

1. God is alive

When Elijah, God’s prophet, contested with Baal’s prophets, it was only the real God who heard and acted (1 Kings 18:36-38). Idols of wood and stone can’t hear (Deuteronomy 4:28). You have a Savior who is very much alive, inviting you near to His throne of grace to talk with Him (Hebrews 4:14-16).

2. God is with you

As a believer, wherever you go, there goes God. You are the temple for His Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). He’s always close and is never out of range.

3. God delights in delivering

When Hagar and Ishmael cried out, God heard and delivered (Genesis 21:16-17). When the Hebrews groaned in slavery in Egypt, God heard and delivered (Exodus 2:24). When you cry for help, He hears and will deliver you, too (Psalm 34:17).

4. God is your Father

Would you turn a deaf ear if your child said, “Mom, I have something I need to talk about”? If you in your imperfect parenting can listen, how much more will God, the perfect Parent, listen when you have something to say to Him (Matthew 7:11)?

5. God loves you

God listens because He cares (Psalm 145:17-18). When Nehemiah cried for God’s ears to be attentive, God gave him favor with King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 1:5-6). He longs to give you what you need, too, if you will ask Him for it (Matthew 7:7).

God hears you because of who He is (Psalm 143:1). And whose you are. Not because you’ve mastered a prayer formula. Not because you’ve been good enough to earn His attention. But because you are His.

He will never fail to listen to His own.

Jesus thanked God that He heard Him (John 11:41).
Will you thank Him for that, too?
He’d love to hear you right now.

But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Psalm 66:19

Let’s start a thank-you list to God. Can you add a thankful comment about a blessing you’ve received this week, large or small? He’s listening!

Here I Raise My Ebenezer: Little Victories in a Big War

May 1, 2012 by Caroline 9 Comments

God Hears

When the Israelites pleaded for Samuel’s prayers for salvation from the Philistines, they witnessed God’s mighty hand in its active power (1 Samuel 7:3-14).

“He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.” – 1 Samuel 7:9

The New Bible Commentary reveals the impact of this act:

“In reality it was probably only a minor victory, but it was enough to keep the Philistines out of Israelite territory for some considerable time, and it was the beginning of a period in which Philistine power declined, thanks to the hand of the LORD.” (p. 303, bold emphasis mine)

Later, Samuel placed that stone of help, called Ebenezer, to praise Him for His victory – no matter how small – and to remind the Israelites (and now us) of His deeds.

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” – 1 Samuel 7:12

Not Always A Whale-Sized Act

God is active in our lives, and God deserves our praise for His love in action. But not every act is as large as a tumbling Jerusalem wall or divine plans for an ark. The little acts God completes within our bigger battles can mean just as much.

Samuel set up this memorial Ebenezer stone for what seemed to be a relatively small “win” within the larger view of events. But just because an act is minor doesn’t mean it should lack praise.

Little Victories and Big Praise

In my family’s current circumstances, we’re fighting a huge medical battle against slim odds. But God’s “little” victories boost our morale and remind us He is ever present.

A fantastic nurse giving care. A small check surprising us to support our financial needs. Regular smiles from our boy in spite of suboptimal conditions. All these acts may seem minor, but we experience the fullness these feats emit.

God shows us a small victory when He places the right doctor in our path. He whispers He is here when He puts it on a friend’s heart to email a prayer. He declares His hand in our situation each month we “somehow” are able to pay our bills.

Each step along this incomplete journey is sprinkled with signs of how He has helped (and continues to help) us. And each verse we read, God reminds us we read evidence of a greater victory in the battle He has already won.

I witness these little victories again and again (and again), and it could only be by God that all these things work together and surface. All this good, no matter how big or small, all presents itself thanks to His hand.

Extol His name with me (Psalm 145:3-7); how have you seen His mighty acts in your life?

I Bless Him Because He Lavishes Love (Run to Him-Psalm 103)

March 23, 2012 by Julie 3 Comments

A Story of Blessing

The texted words on my phone burst out in blessing: “God is so awesome! Words can’t express the thankfulness I have. I pray that God blessed you as much as you’ve blessed me and my girls!”

I had just left a small one bedroom apartment after dropping off a brand new set of pots and pans, bags of food, a mixer and can opener, new sets of towels, and much, much more. They weren’t from me, but I delivered them from the open hands and hearts of the team of ladies who serve with me at the women’s shelter. One of “our girls” was moving out on her own, preparing for permanent reunion and restoration with her daughters. God allowed us to join Him in the work of piecing a life back together, and the heart of our loved one was full of blessing for the love her Heavenly Father showed her.

A Psalm of Blessing

Psalm 103 begins with the call for each soul in the community of the beloved to remember the benefits of God’s love and to cry out in praise. The audience included those who knew well the journey of the broken, how it feels to rise out of exile and survive at the mercy of a generous, divine hand. A list of the benefits (vv. 3-19) fed the amazement of those whose lives were pieced together with provision from the true God. He forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, and cares for oppressed; He who knows and loves the helpless is slow to anger, full of grace and mercy. He lavishes love on those who have nothing to offer Him but praise.

A Love for the Broken

While we are weak and frail like the grass or flower (vv. 14-16), so undependable that we are compared to dust. But the Lord loves with steadfast love that remains committed and true (vv. 17-18). To the once exiled and presently broken, He extends love everlasting, calling us to keep his covenant and remember His ways. When we feel alone, His love can only be compared to the distance of the east to the west, the distance from earth to heaven, and the scope of a father’s love for his childrevv. 11-14). He doesn’t only love us; He lavishes us with awesome love with full awareness of who we are. Yes, God is so awesome!

Every journey includes failures and fresh starts, and we all survive at the mercy of a generous, divine hand. You may not need a toaster or a can opener or gently used coffee table. But how have YOU experienced the benefits of the east to west, earth to heaven, fatherly love of God?

When standing amidst the broken pieces, fear Him, remember His promises, keep His commands, and enjoy His steadfast love. The God who knows and loves us in our weakness must be blessed!

Clean to the Fibers {Run to Him Psalm 51}

February 24, 2012 by Julie 6 Comments

The pollen from my bouquet left a dark yellow stain on the neckline of my once pure white wedding dress. We went into crisis mode to renew the lace and prepare for presentation to my husband-to-be. With little time, there was no way to truly cleanse it; covering it up was the best we could do.

The Need for Repentance

None of us begins with a pure heart; we’re all born with a sin problem. We’re delivered to this world with a need for deliverance. When the prophet Nathan confronted David with his adultery and murder, the Psalmist’s sin stared him in the face. The King was “always aware” of his offense “against God,” so “evil to God,” recognizing he was born that way (v.5). David shared his individual longing to be made right in Psalm 51’s words, written for a congregational group to song together. The ceremonial system required worshipers to “wash” and “cleanse” themselves before coming into God’s presence. Knowing he was undeserving, he appealed to the character of God, marked by steadfast love and abundant mercy.

David knew the scope of his offense and responded with a humble heart.

David knew the scope of God’s mercy and responded with a plea for deliverance.

David knew the scope of God’s love and responded with a worshipful heart.

Have mercy, wash me, cleanse me, purge me, wash me, hide your face, blot my sin, create a new heart, renew my spirit, don’t cast me away, don’t remove your Spirit, restore my joy, uphold me….

These are the words of a man who was sin-stained and knew it. These are the cries of a man who was unworthy to be in God’s presence and knew it. These are the pleas of a man who knew God’s mercy and love surpassed his dirtiness and evil. These are the hopes of a man who knew he could not make himself clean, but God could. Could these be your words?

Because He is the “God of my salvation” (v.14), He looks for more than a covering up of our outward stain; He wants inward purity demonstrated by outward obedience. Cleansing prepares us to enter His presence. Without it, our dirty condition overflows to the whole community of believers. A gathering of the cleansed and forgiven cannot help but respond in worship to the One who mercifully gives what isn’t deserved.

The Joy of Restoration

David knew the joy of having his personal evil washed to a miraculously whiter-than snow condition. He felt the joy of having his contrite heart and broken spirit healed and accepted. Deliverance from sin opens the door for freedom in worship, so he promised, “my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness … and my mouth will declare your praise” (vv. 14-15). Worship is the song of a forgiven heart.

There was no time to cleanse my wedding dress. A heavy spray of hairspray, covered by a dousing of baby powder, masked the stain on my yellowed bridal lace. It was covered, but not clean.

God isn’t fooled by our attempts to cover up our sin. Only the God of our Salvation has the power to cleanse the deep fibers of our hearts and restore our broken spirit. For those who know the joy of undeserved mercy, let’s join David’s congregation and sing the song of the forgiven hearts!

Do you have a humble heart that’s honest about your stained condition?

Have you appealed to God’s mercy with a plea for cleansing and to be upheld?

Are you taking time to worship God privately and with a group of other forgiven people?