Thankful Thursday

It's Thursday, which means I normally post my 'thankful' list, but today I'm not. It's not because I'm not thankful, it's just that there are a few situations going on in my life that are causing me some inner turmoil, and so I'm not in a 'light and fluffy' mood, so to speak. As I was thinking about these things, and debating whether to blog at all, I felt like I really should look for something to be thankful for. What I realized is that I am thankful that in the midst of the trials going on around me (which really aren't directly mine, but rather things involving or affecting people I love) I believe that God has a plan, and that it is for good. That nothing happens that is out of His control. While the events, actions, attitudes, etc. might not be good, I have first-hand knowledge and experience that God can take our personal 'worsts' and make them into amazing, wonderful triumphs. Our failures become His victories; our weaknesses showing His strength. Believe me, a lot of this I am having to choose to meditate on and believe, because what I feel like doing is like letting my 'flesh' take over and letting my fear, frustration and fury reign down and wreak havoc on anyone who happens to get in my path. (Well, really just a few poor, maybe even unsuspecting folks!) But I am choosing to listen to that still small voice niggling at the back of my mind saying "This is a spiritual battle..." - in other words, don't fret, don't lash out, but rather, take action. Pray. Fast. Worship. Though my angst-filled mind would like to spin scenarios, carry on full (one-sided) conversations and scheme up ways to fix all the problems swirling about, my heart is drawing me to focus on God, on His holiness, power and majesty. I am reminded on the lyrics of this song, and I would say it's an accurate summation of my Thankful Thursday today.

When the storm is raging all around me
You are the peace that calms
My troubled sea
And when the cares of this world
Darken my day
You are the light that shines
And shows me the way

Oh, the beauty of Your majesty
On the cross You showed Your love for me!

Beautiful Lord
Awesome and mighty
I’m captured by this love I see
Beautiful Lord
Tender and holy
Your mercy brings me to my knees
It’s Your mercy that has made me free
Beautiful Lord

When my sin is all that I can see
Your grace remains the shelter that I seek
And when my weakness is all I can give
Your gentle Spirit gives me strength again
And oh, the beauty of Your majesty
On the cross You showed Your love for me

And I am lifted by Your love to sing!
It’s Your mercy that has made me free!

You’re beautiful, my Lord
You’re beautiful, my Lord


Words & Music by Leeland Dayton Mooring and Marc Byrd / © 2006 Meaux Mercy (BMI) / Meaux Mercy / Blue Raft Music (BMI)