Then Sings My Soul - Cries Of The Heart From The PsalmsPrimjer

Psalm 116:17 

Return, O my soul, to your repose, for Yahweh has dealt bountifully with you.

Oh, how I love that You hear me, my God! You are the One who perceives the cry of my heart so I will depend on You for the rest of my life. I felt like I was going to die but the minute I started to break down, You were right there to save me. Like a parent with a child, You rescue those who can’t rescue themselves. I was barely hanging on and You pulled me up into Your comforting arms of safety. You have given me far more than I could ever deserve. I will live in daily obedience to You. I will devote all that I am and do to You. I will express my gratitude to you when I’m with others. With everything I’ve got, I praise You, Lord!

Application: How are you cultivating a grateful heart?

Hardship can often blind us from noticing the benefits and gifts in our daily lives. Especially as the difficulties seem to pile up or go on and on and on. How does God restore our souls? One way He turns the soil of our hearts is through our intentional practice of gratitude. How did you experience God’s goodness as you review the events of yesterday? How might you notice, and even record and share, the big and small gifts of today?

Kids tip: Place a jar in the middle of your dinner table. Each day, perhaps at mealtime, ask the kids how they saw God giving a good gift to them. Have them jot it down on a scrap of paper and place it in the jar. Once a week, take some time to pull out a few and remember together God’s faithfulness. 

Song suggestion: Be Still – Kristene DiMarco