Thirsty for Thankfulness: Day #7

     Thirsty for Thankfulness: Day #7

"Count your blessings, name them one by one; 

Count your blessings, see what God hath done..."

 ("Count Your Blessings" Johnson Oatman 1897)
When I was training to run my first half-marathon, I quickly realized that the expression "mind over matter" matters. I certainly had to learn to control where my thoughts spiraled during the long runs, especially when my spiral included thoughts of quitting, the couch, a big bag of Cheetos, and possibly some brownies on the side while binge watching the entire Harry Potter series of movies, or anything that would keep me comfortable and unmoving for hours, if not days. 

This is where Scripture made all the difference. Two strategies that helped me to control the negative thoughts in my mind were as follows: 
Scripture cards
The A, B, Cs of God's qualities

The Scripture cards were just that, plain note cards on which I wrote Bible verses that I was striving to memorize. I would have these with me on the treadmill when I would run indoors. 

The A, B, Cs of God's qualities was a strategy in which I mentally went through the alphabet ascribing a characteristic of God to each letter. 

Focusing my mind in this way kept me from the alternative...focusing on the pain of the run, the heat outside, etc. 

This same strategy can work so well with our blessings. When we catch ourselves putting an emphasis on the negative, we can take captive those thoughts and turn them to gratitude. 

Our routine: 
  • Sit down together. 
  • Enjoy the cup of blessing that can be provided by a good dose of Scripture. 
  • Stay and linger with our Creator as we reflect on our blessings as revealed in the words we read each day. 
  • Close with words of prayer to help deepen our relationship with Almighty God.
Scripture: 

II Corinthians 10:5b
"...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Psalm 42:1-2
"As the deer pants for streams of water, 
so my soul pants for you, my God. 
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 
When can I go and meet with God?"

Psalm 118:1-7; 28-29
"Give thanks to the LORD for he is good; 
his love endures forever.
Let Israel say: 'His love endures forever.'
Let the house of Aaron say: 'His love endures forever.'
Let those who fear the LORD say: 'His love endures forever.'
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, 
and he answered by setting me free.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. 
What can man do to me?
The LORD is with me; he is my helper. 
I will look in triumph on my enemies...

You are my God, and I will give you thanks; 
you are my God, and I will exalt you. 
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 
his love endures forever."





Reflection: 
What Scriptures do we each have stored up in our minds that we can turn to in good times and in bad? These are especially important during difficult times. When we are challenged, the bitter thoughts are able to take root quickly if we do not take them captive. Let us learn to take captive every thought for the LORD.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to spend a portion of today truly counting the blessings that surround us. Help us to also meditate on Your Word to the point that we are able to commit verses to memory. Lord God, we give thanks to You. You are good, Lord, and we know that Your love endures forever. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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