Gratitude

All my words fall short
I got nothing new
How could I express
All my gratitude?

I could sing these songs
As I often do
But every song must end
And You never do

So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I know it's not much
But I've nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
Hallelujah

I've got one response
I've got just one move
With my arm stretched wide
I will worship You

So come on, my soul
Oh, don't you get shy on me
Lift up your song
'Cause you've got a lion inside of those lungs
Get up and praise the Lord

Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord

So I throw up my hands
Praise You again and again
'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I know it's not much
But I've nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
Hallelujah

Our church has been working through a series on joy this January, focusing on how to have lasting joy in our lives.  And though it was just a small mention in the last service, to me, one of the most impactful ways to maintain joy is through expressions of gratitude.  Truly remembering all you have to be grateful for.  

Think about it.  It's hard to stay down when you are consistently reminded about how many things bring you joy.  How much you have in your life.  How often we should be thankful.

And if I really start to think about it, I have a lot of reasons to be joyful.

I am thankful to be alive.  I am thankful to have the job that I do.  I am thankful to be in Brownsburg.  To have the rental home that we do.  To be a part of the church that we are.  To get to sing on its praise team.  To sing with the Cummins Diversity choir.

I am thankful for my wife.  I am thankful for my children.  I am thankful for the family life we have created.  I'm thankful for where our life is heading.

I'm thankful that I'm generally healthy.  I'm thankful that my family is as well.  I'm thankful for the time I get to spend with them.  I'm thankful that I get to work from home and the flexibility that affords.

I'm thankful for my small group.  I'm thankful for my extended family.  I'm thankful for my friends.

Yes, there are days that drag.  There are days that are tough to get out of bed.  There are days that I am ready for them to end and to start again.

But, generally, I have a lot of reasons to be thankful and I should be exhibiting joy for how grateful I am.  I have a lot of reasons to be joyful, and it is a good exercise to list them all and truly remember.  After all, thankfulness is part of the call on our lives.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God, 

Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us.  Thank you that your Word teaches us the power of gratitude.  May we always remember it.  Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes.  Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us.  Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given.  Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh.  Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy.  We love you and we need you, this day and every day.  We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! 

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen