“We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 75:1
The nearness of His presence is as close as the mention of His name.
When we declare the goodness of God, when we tell others of his wonderful deeds – all that he has done – God is very near.
As we reflect on thankfulness throughout the month of November, there is something sweet that catches my heart as I listen to friends and family declaring God’s faithfulness throughout this past year. I sense the nearness of God in every praise and every proclamation of God’s good name.
“But you are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3
God’s holiness is a given, and when we praise him, lifting gratitude and thanksgiving, we place him in his rightful place: upon the throne of of our hearts and our lives.
We are nine days into November, and my cup is already overflowing with joy and thankfulness for all that God has done, and who he has been, consistently, in my life this past year.
Today I am praising God for…
1. My family
2. The tears shed in pain that have brought healing and restoration
3. The unfathomable favor we have experienced as we have followed God into missions
4. The fun and laughter our family has shared during the most challenging times of transition
5. The beauty of Oregon
6. The impact that the local church, in both big and small cities, is making in their communities
7. The moments of quiet that God has given me in the middle of a busy parenting season
8. The extra time I get to spend with Joel
9. New friends
As November rolls along there will be more declarations of praise. And each time those blessings are proclaimed, God’s place as king of my heart is reestablished, and he is so very near.
God’s presence is most tangibly felt in the praise of his great Name.
My challenge to you is to remember the goodness of God…even the hard and painful gifts that God brings your way…and declare his greatness. Declare your thanksgiving.
And there you will experience the nearness of his presence.
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