A Heart of Thanksgiving

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. they cannot...: or, none can order them unto thee - Psalms 40:5

    I recently read that somewhere, years ago in New England, there was a day of fasting each month to mourn over the sins of the land. At last, some public official suggested that, instead of the day of mourning each month, they should appoint a feast and thank God for the mercies and blessings which he had given.

    I was deeply convicted and strongly impressed by this article. Do we dwell on our troubles and trials so much that we forget to give thanks for our blessings? Instead of counting our blessings, we exaggerate our misfortunes. Instead of praising God for many friends, our minds dwell on two or three contentious persons who wish us evil. Instead of talking about our years of good health, we discuss our hours of pain. Instead of rejoicing in our obedient and loving children, we complain about our prodigals. It is good to fast, mourn over sin, and to take our burdens to the Lord; but it is right to leave them there!

    "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones." I plan to take this exhortation seriously and lift both my heart and voice to him who is the fountain of all mercies. His mercies far outweigh his chastisements. David said, "Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward. They cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee. If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered" (Ps. 40:5).

    John Newton once wrote, "Lord, if I have not loved thee before, let me begin today." Today is a good day to love him, thank him, and praise him. Let this be "The day of beginning again."