Bev's List Changed Her

My friend Bev told me that about a week after her mother's going to Heaven she was thinking of how carefully God had orchestrated the events around her mother's death. I wonder if I can think of 100 things to thank God for regarding mother's passing away, she thought. She began writing.

Bev said, "I thanked Him that mother didn't have to suffer long, that I was able to be with her when she went to be with the Lord, for the perfect timing, and that the funeral didn't interfere with the family wedding planned for the next weekend."

To her amazement, ideas kept coming until she had listed over 130 ways God's goodness had surrounded that sad time. Bev said that although she misses her mother, the deep sense of grief left during that time of praise.

The praise we offer in the hard times must thrill our Heavenly Father. Although God is present everywhere, He is actively present where joyful praise exists. "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel" (Psalm 22:3 KJV). "Judah (praise) was his sanctuary (dwelling place)" (Psalm 114:2).

Dear Lord, thank You for always being present when there is joyful praise.

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1). 

Aletha