Gratitude

I heard the following song for the first time in church this Sunday. I was blown away by the power of these words. The chorus just knocked me flat... and I know it's a chorus so it's supposed to be repeated but I think the power of the song comes from the repetition of this chorus. It is like this constant reminder that even when things are not "going well" for us that we should give thanks to God. Our response to life's circumstances should be praise because it refocuses us on the bigger picture of God's purpose and plan. It reminds us that we serve an awesome and powerful God. I know that this response is much easier said than done. I do know from experience that when I have responded in praise instead of anger and bitterness I have learned some amazing things about the peace and presence of Christ. 

Please, take a moment. Click this link and read the words below and let it sink in. Let is touch that part of you that you've ignored for a while. I pray it touches you deeply.

Gratitude- Nicole Nordman 

Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

(Chorus)

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

(Chorus)

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead 

And if we never taste that bread

Oh, the differences that often are between
What we want and what we really need

So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case . . .

(Chorus)

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace

But Jesus, would You please . . .

(P.S. I apologize for the weird formatting...I have no idea how to fix it.)