Yes I Will

I heard a song today by Vertical Worship called “Yes, I Will” and the chorus says:

Yes I will, lift You high in the lowest valley
Yes I will, bless Your name
Oh, yes I will, sing for joy when my heart is heavy
For all my days, oh yes I will

I thought, what a wonderful declaration to make! It goes along with what I often say:

“You may not be able to change how you feel, but you can change how you think and that will, in time, change how you feel.”

You may call it mind over matter or I prefer to think of it as a step towards obtaining the transformed mind (Romans 12:2). We’re told to let our minds be transformed by the Holy Spirit so we can know God’s perfect will. And the implication there is that we will then obey and follow, once we know what He desires for us.

For instance, one thing we’re clearly commanded to do is to give thanks in all circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:18). But some days it’s harder than others. Sometimes things are going all wrong, and we don’t feel very thankful.

So, those are the days when we need the declaration modeled in this song.

• Today, Lord, I choose to lift Your name high and praise you.

• Today, Lord, I choose to remember all your goodness to me and the blessings I’ve received.

• Today, Lord, I will give you thanks.

Looking For Good

Jeremiah 17:5-8 shows the contrast between the person who puts their trust in man and the one who trusts in the Lord. Those who look to their own strength and are determined to follow their own desires will be like a dry shrub in a barren desert. They will not see the good when it comes, because they are focused on themselves and their complaints.

In contrast, the one who trusts in the Lord will be like a green tree planted by water. This is someone who stays fresh and growing and producing fruit. They provide shade with their lush foliage and rest for the weary traveler.

Which picture do you want to be? I know which one I want to most resemble!

Here are some practical ways we can keep looking for the good:

Practical Ways

1. Write things down. I keep a casual journal, and write out prayers and frustrations and things God is teaching me. I’m not consistent, but once in a while I’ll peruse an old one and I’m always amazed. We forget so much! And God is always faithful! As I read through my fears or frustrations from the past, I’m prompted to thanksgiving and worship.

2. Keep your eyes up. This life is not all there is. We have a hope and a future with Jesus in heaven. Read the book of Revelation, listen to worship songs about heaven and the end. A favorite of mine is “When The Stars Burn Down” by Phillips, Craig & Dean.

Colossians 3:1-2 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

3. Encourage someone. When you set out to remind a struggling friend about God’s promises or give them help in some way, you will be refreshed yourself. You’ll be reminded of what you can be thankful for. Live outwardly – to bless others – and you will find joy and reward.

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

This is my declaration to Jesus today. I hope it’s yours, too:

“For all my days, Yes, I will give you thanks.”