
Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR on Pexels.com
A month of gratitude! Let’s focus on gratitude throughout the month of November. I challenge you to look around and be more aware of the blessings in your life. And each day write down at least five things you are thankful for.
Since I am a writer, I like words. I have always been one who loved a good quote. When I see signs with words on them, I feel compelled to read them. When my husband and I visit the mountains, sometimes we will go in different gift shops. Like a magnet, I am drawn to the plaques with words on them. I have to know what they say, and my hope is the words will be meaningful.
One of the most commonly quoted Bible verses is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV) I was in the post office the other day and there was a man at the counter with a T-shirt which had words on it. I couldn’t read most of it because it was in Spanish. But I still knew it was this beloved Bible verse, because at the top of the shirt it said “Juan 3:16.”
Why do people love this verse so much? It sums up the love of God and what Jesus did for us. Words properly strung together can have a huge impact on us, just as this Bible verse does. Words can make people cry or laugh or both at the same time. Words can be beautiful and life-changing.
But let’s take this a step further by adding music to our words. A song with just the right lyrics and melody can leave us in awe. I have a T-shirt from my favorite radio station (The Joy FM) which states, “When words fail, music speaks.” The right song can unleash so much truth and emotion.
But I also believe that music, Christian music in particular, is an important piece of the puzzle when you are practicing gratitude. For one thing, the right music can be so uplifting! If you are feeling down, try turning on the radio for a boost. There are certain songs that just make us want to sing along, dance, and smile. Studies also show that music can having healing power. Music is even used in some hospitals to decrease a patient’s pain, improve their mood, lower their side effects, and make them less anxious. There is definitely power in music.
And when we sing songs to the Lord, our praise helps the feeling of gratitude bubble up inside of us. When we immerse ourselves into worshipping the Lord with good praise music, we can feel in our core what a wonderful, loving Father we have. And this, in turn, helps us to walk in gratitude and thanksgiving, because our eyes are opened to just how good God is to us.
And with that, I will leave you with a song which I have been enjoying recently. I hope you like it as much as I do! “Yes I Will” by Vertical Worship
Remember that every day is a gift from God!
(I will be sharing similar gratitude related posts here each Thursday of this month. So be sure to visit again. And on the first four Saturdays of this month, I will be sharing similar gratitude related posts on my author website. If you want to read last Saturday’s post, click here.)
Music is so powerful! I use music in so many different ways throughout the day. As prayer, and a pick me up or mood booster, and anxiety reliever. I am definitely right there with you in being thankful for music!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s great! It makes me happy to hear that it helps others too! Thank you for commenting 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I SO agree. Music that points out how wonderful our God is, always lifts my spirit and makes me grateful. I gravitate towards words too. We have words throughout the our home: love, faith, hope, joy, and nest. I like the word nest because it’s calming and restful. It’s a good reminder that God takes care of us like a mother takes care of her baby bird. We are in the shadow of his wing. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love that! I might have to look for something that says “nest” now! I never gave it much thought before. But you’re right, it is a comforting word! Thanks for commenting! 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you have trouble finding something with “nest,” you can always create your own. Our neighbor was getting rid of a bunch of old pictures one summer. I didn’t like the pictures, but I thought I could do something with the frames. So I spray painted them and inserted a letter into each frame. That’s how I got my “nest.” I hung the four framed letters in my bedroom because that’s where I had wall space, but “nest” could go in any room, really.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! That’s great! You are very creative! I am not that great with crafty things, but I could try it! Thanks for the tip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You could totally manage a project like that. You just need some picture frames and a printer! It’s super easy! 😊 And if you don’t have a printer, you could always use some small frames and buy maybe some sticker letters, and some pretty paper. I like simple! But I’m also very detail oriented so my projects can also end up a lot more work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol! I know what you mean!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Music is a changer. I’m able to know “it is well with my soul” when I’m singing to myself. When I stop singing I need to figure out what I need to change. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! It definitely helps align my perspective at times! Thank you for commenting! 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Grateful for Rest – Bridget A. Thomas
Pingback: Gratitude 2019 Recap – Bridget A. Thomas