There is a popular Christian contemporary song called the Goodness of God, that has been around for awhile now, but its message continues to touch the hearts of anyone who hears it. My favorite version is CeCe Winans. The song begins with these lyrics:

I love you, Lord

For Your mercy never fails me

All my days, I’ve been held in your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.

‘Cause all my life you have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, it is a common practice to be more intentionally mindful of all our blessings. Some of you may even currently keep a gratitude journal on a regular basis. During a recent Bible study, the writer shared that she took the concept of a gratitude journal and instead of writing down her blessings, she wrote down how God was showing up for her in that season of life. She wanted to shift the focus from what blessings she was grateful for receiving to focusing on who God is. She shared that a shift began to happen in her heart as she set her heart to know God in a more personal and intimate way. She began to look for God first when she opened the scriptures. She became more aware of God’s presence in her life. He began to increase in her life. His goodness, grace, mercy, love, kindness, conviction, compassion, and the list goes on and on.

What if we took on this practice for the month of November and focused our attention not on the gifts and blessings we receive and enjoy, but focused on the Giver of all things? Maybe you grab a journal and make a note at the beginning or end of our day how God made himself known to you? Was He your Comforter? Did His kindness lead you to repentance? Did you experience peace that surpasses all understanding? Was He a place of refuge and strength?

Write it down or maybe write your own Psalm using the song lyrics listed above or one of the Psalms listed below as a guide.

Here are just a few Psalms that talk about giving thanks to God and acknowledging who he is and what he has done, is doing, and will do.

Psalm 9:1 ~ I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart: I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 103:1-2 (you really need to read the entire Psalm) Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

Psalm 136: 1 ~ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

May God meet you where you are in this season of Thanksgiving. In joy, may you experience His celebration with you. In trials, may you experience His guidance, strength, and endurance. In grief, may you experience His comfort and peace. In all things, may you experience His goodness, grace, love, and mercy. May you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart open to receive it all and then share it with those around you.