Daily Reading: 23 October

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

God's wondrous deeds.

Something to read

We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; your name is near. People tell of your wondrous deeds.

- Psalm 75:1.

Something to think about

Reading this verse always acts as a bit of a challenge to me because, if I’m perfectly honest, there are times when I am less thankful than I should be. And, just to add to this, there are certainly times when I am quite happy to listen to others telling of your ‘wondrous deeds’ while I remain quiet. 

There’s an anonymous saying which says: ‘When asked if my cup is half full or half empty, I can only say that I’m grateful to have a cup.’ 

Recognising that millions of people suffer in the world should be a motivation to want to help them, but sometimes it isn’t. That may well be because we’re not sure what to do or how we can help, or it may be another reason. But when we truly put God as the source of all good gifts then we can’t possibly ignore the plight of others while living so much more comfortably ourselves. 

Our thankfulness for the blessings we have, demands a response which looks to help others. This may be practically, it may be financially or prayerfully or a combination of all these things, but as we hear others tell of God’s wondrous deeds, may we be one of those people, living thankfully, joyfully and responsibly, and displaying through our words and actions something of the wonderful nature and power of God.

Something to do

Think of a way in which you can tell someone of God’s ‘wondrous deeds’. Think and pray how to do it and then for the opportunity to do it. Be confident that God will support you and be thankful for God's constant care.

Something to pray

Lord Jesus give me a heart of thankfulness for all the blessings I have in my life. May my thanks be shown through my words and actions that others may know of your love. Amen.

Today’s contributor is Canon Ian Rees, Rector of Central Swansea, at the time of writing.