Giving thanks. . .

On Sunday, I found myself being taught a lesson by a group of 11 year old theologians! I was leading Bible Class and we read some of Psalm 103 together.
The Message puts it like this:

He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.

We have so much to be thankful for: family, friends, food, a roof, education, peace, the chance to worship God free from bullets and beatings, health, the chance of a long life and enough resources to meet all of our needs. As well as these things, we should thank God for who He is. To take from Psalm 103 again:

God makes everything come out right;
God is sheer mercy and grace;
He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve;
He knows us inside and out;
God's love is ever and always!

Those 11 year olds had such a childlike, innocent view of the providence of God - they just thanked Him simply and honestly for who He was and for what He does for us! May we do the same!

What a glorious, awesome, powerful, worthy God we have. May I never ever cease to worship Him with all that I have. May I wake each morning and lift my hands to heaven in thanks for another gift of a day - another chance to live and breathe in His presence, another chance to walk with Him!