In July, I was in Orlando for the International Christian Retail Show at the invitation of my publisher for a book signing and interview. But I wasn’t happy. Old feelings of insecurity were triggered when I learned that other authors had more publicity events going on than I did. I was tempted to believe I didn’t really belong and wasn’t truly wanted. Reinforcing my Floridian self-pity was a succession of relational challenges back home that kept coming…one after the other. I needed a break!
Deciding it was best to begin this day by reading the word (always a great decision!), I cracked open the Gideon Bible on the nightstand by my bed which fell open to Psalm 67. The eyes of my heart weren’t quite open until I hit verses 5-7 but by then I was captivated.
May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.
Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us.
Yes, God will bless us
And people all over the world will fear Him.
Harvest and blessing were the words that immediately caught my attention because I NEEDED to see some of these things. I was hungry for them! And so I backed up far enough to re-read the first 2 lines.
May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.
Internalizing these verses, I realized that my expressions of thanksgiving and praise were minimal in light of the relational difficulties I faced. Desiring to remedy the situation immediately, I called my husband.
Punching the speaker option on my phone (so I could put on my make-up and curl my hair for the big day), I shared the verse with Tom and asked him to begin thanking God with me. Twenty minutes later, both our spirits were buoyed and we were ready to enter the day God had planned for us. In God-like fashion, He far exceeded my wildest expectations for the day.
I met and prayed with several beautiful women during the book-signing. I had a great TV interview. And I made new friends and connections that yielded more than a little harvest and blessing. (I’ll share more about this in next week’s blog!)
What struggles are you facing in life and marriage?
Could you use a little or lot of God’s harvest and blessing?
Then don’t miss Beautiful Womanhood’s September Thanksgiving Challenge on this blog and Facebook! During the challenge you’ll
- Discover Bible verses that promise blessing through thanksgiving
- Hear testimonies from me and others participating in the challenge
- Learn how to thank God honestly even for difficult circumstances
I couldn’t wait to bring you this challenge because I know you will be transformed in the process, as I have. And when you undergo transformation, your marriage will be impacted.
If you know anyone struggling through life and marriage, forward them this email so they can join in the September challenge. In next week’s blog, I’ll share some of the AMAZING blessings I’ve received as a result of spending the first several minutes of each day praising and thanking God for all he has, is, and will do!
Stay tuned for more!
Thank you for sharing your story; I have been making a conscious effort to turn on some praise music in the mornings during breakfast with my 1-year-old son. It makes the biggest difference in my attitude for the day, and God blesses my day (even when curve-balls are thrown my way.) I will take on this challenge with you! Your book has been life-changing for me. I opened it in a time of desperation (not really for my marriage but for myself, as I struggled with post-partum depression.) God bless you.
Dear Katie,
Thanks for writing! Turning on praise music is blessing you and your son! What an awesome practice! I’m so glad you’re joining in the Thanksgiving Challenge. Expect great things!
Thank you for the reminder to thank God for what he has done! I recently prayed for my daughter to be healed from a sports injury…God may not have answered as quickly as i hoped, but he did heal her! I have a lot of struggles in my marriage…the biggest being that i have to be self supporting and also help my children with no help from my husband. (My children are from a previous marriage & they have no contact with their boological father). My husband makes more than enough money to suupport all of us, but he wont. Its frustrating…extremely frustrating! I have recently asked if he would help with college tuition just a little bit…and he said no. I had been really trying lately to be closer to him & this felt like total regection again. Im trying to be thankful for what i have, but its really getting difficult.
Dear S.,
Thanks for sharing your story! I’m blessed to hear you are moving toward your husband even though he gives you little encouragement. God sees, hears, and knows you. He cares about you watchfully. Keep your eyes on Him and the praising will be easier. Along with me, praise Him for the good and the bad. The following week’s blogs will guide you in this. God bless you!
Thank you so much. I am currently trying to strengthenmy marriage. I couldnt for a long time understand why my husband and i werent close and that all of the intimacieswere suffering. i prayed so much and realized that i needed the lord every step through. I bought your book and am praying for my husband. I am going to focus on thanksgiving. My faith has increased and patience. The teachings in your book are such a blessing!!!
Dear Mrs. Pink,
Thanks for writing! Your decision to rely on the Lord won’t disappoint!
May He fill your mouth with praise and your heart with exceeding joy!
Thank you so much for sharing. I have physical pain and trying to communicate this with my husband. It is difficult because he does not handle dealing with sickness to well. I know God is a healer. However, as I go “through” I just want him to embrass me again and have compassion. I only only imagine what God can do in this challenge. Praying with daily with expectation. Your books have meant a lot and produced change in other areas.
Thanks for writing Green Girl! May God Himself embrace you with His strong loving arms as you open your mouth in praise!
[...] voice and BELIEVE or ACT ON the message you receive. I’m still marveling over God’s word spoken to me last July about giving thanks and praise to Him in all situations. It produced mega [...]