Thankful Thursday #170

"He has sent me to tell those who mourn

that the time of God’s favor to them has come,

AND the day of His wrath to their enemies."

~Isaiah 61:2

Today, I am thankful for:

1.  Knowing God as an avenging God, my Vindicator, the one to whom vengeance belongs, and a God I can trust to bring justice.  He feels righteous anger when His children are mistreated, and He is not indifferent to our pain!  (In the face of any earthly injustice, I so appreciate that there are two sides to His promise in the verse above.)

2.  God's ability to renew my spirit as I spend time with Him (and to bring peace about aging).

3.  That I generally like myself.

4.  Light and fluffy entertainment -- reruns of shows that make me laugh are the comfort food of TV.

5.  Quality relationships with mutual respect (the meme applies to friendships too, but is even more important in choosing a spouse).

6.   This simple but profound truth... you can help and support others, but you cannot do their work for them, and you cannot force change from the outside (with others or with yourself, honestly)... it's an inside job, and God is our greatest ally in our transformation!

7.  Lightbulb moments where God helps us SEE where He is working!!  In a moment of venting frustration, I recently said out loud, "Ugh, where is anyone to help!?" about a new client with a feeble support system... and even as I said it,  I realized it was me.  Not that I can fix everything or directly change anyone involved (see point above) -- but I'm not powerless either -- I can help by being a caring and empathetic listener who offers solid insight and consistent support and encouragement.  Being seen and heard can go a long way, and God can do more than we expect or imagine through small acts of obedience as we seek Him.  I still feel inadequate for this counseling position sometimes, but God continues to open my eyes and bring hope as I consider HIS power to do new things in me and through me, even and perhaps especially in situations that appear dire or dark or hopeless.  ❤

Praying you feel encouraged and strengthened as you read this today.
❤