Wonderful In Deed

I know, beloved. It’s May, not November, the month of Thanksgiving. But here’s the thing: we’re called to give thanks every day of every month of every year.

Why not right now? Surrounded by flowering dogwoods, redbuds, and lilacs, suppose we offer up a fragrant aroma of praise to the One who loves us so.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalm 107:21

Let them give thanks to the Lord… Psalm 107:21

The psalmist was definitely on fire when he wrote these words, because he repeated the same call to action four times – in verses 8, 15, 21, and 31. “Oh that men would praise the Lord” (KJ21).

We can hear an exclamation point, even if we don’t see one. And we can feel the power in the Hebrew word used here, yadah, which means “to throw down.” (So contemporary, right?) We’re to throw or cast our confession, thanksgiving, and praise in His direction. Not simply think about it — do it.

And what are we thankful for? You know.

…for his unfailing love… Psalm 107:21

Yes, absolutely. His “gracious” (ISV) and “faithful” (CEB) and “steadfast” (ESV) love. It never fades, never falters, and never fails. When fear burns in our hearts, He extinguishes it with His love. When we lose our way, He leads us home.

The much-cherished Hebrew word hesed is often rendered as “lovingkindness,” a truth that blossoms with mercy and tenderness.

God’s love is more than how He feels toward us. It’s all the things He does for us.

…and his wonderful deeds… Psalm 107:21

I love the word wonderful (especially on Wednesdays), but “awesome” (ISV) and “amazing” (NET) are equally sublime ways to describe His “works” (KJ21) and “wonders” (CJB), His “miracles” (EXB) and “marvels” (WYC).

Do you shy away from the word miracle? Is it a bit much? A tad over-the-top? I felt that way in the early days of my journey with Jesus. Now I use the word with joyous abandon, knowing we are surrounded by God’s miraculous deeds, just as His Word promises: “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (Job 5:9).

We may not count each one. But God does.

When a child is conceived, it’s a miracle. The fact that it happens unseen and unbelievably often — worldwide, about 250 times every minute — doesn’t make conception any less miraculous. When that child is born, when life in the womb becomes life in the room, another miracle unfolds before our eyes. Wondrous!

God’s millions of miraculous deeds have one wonderful purpose.

…for mankind. Psalm 107:21

Sisters, don’t let mankind give you pause. God’s wonderful deeds are poured out for men and women, for “humanity!” (CJB), for “people!” (NET), and especially “for those he loves!” (TPT).

So many exclamation points. So many miracles. So many reasons to give thanks.

Today let’s say with the psalmist, “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples” (Psalm 77:14). Lord, for all the wonderful deeds we see and all the ones we miss, we give thanks with our whole hearts.

Our special giveaway for May was this lovely floral wreath sign, 12″ by 15″, made of Baltic birch wood with a gentle reminder to give thanks. Congrats to our three winners: Regina, Pamela and Juli. You are still welcome to scroll down and share what you are giving thanks for today.

Meanwhile, at the Higgs house, we’re giving thanks for 26 years at Laughing Heart Farm, as we prepare to sell our home to a fine young family. Thank you, Lord, for bringing just the right buyer to our doorstep, and letting us enjoy one last spring amid the blooming beauty of Your creation.

Thanks for joining me for another Wonderful Wednesday!

Your sister, Liz

P.S. If you missed our May 1st Wonderful Wednesday on Facebook LIVE, watch and/or listen as we meet Phoebe. What a woman, and what a story!