Making Lists
- Beth Mims
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
I am a list maker. Some days I write things down that I have already completed on a list just so I can check them off.
Lists give me a sense of accomplishment. I have tried to wean myself off them in recent years, but I still keep my notebook close by. I have a weekly “To Do” list and a “Grocery List” and a “Writing List” and you get the idea.
So you can imagine, how excited I get when I open God’s word and find a ready-made list waiting for me.
That’s what happened when I opened to Psalm 105 this morning. The first five verses gave me ten actions for my “To Do” list. As I read them, I knew that accomplishing these things would ensure that my day would be successful and joyful.
1. Give thanks to the Lord. This is an all-day everyday action. 1Thessalonians 5:18 tells me that it is God’s will for me to give thanks in every thing. A thankful heart smooths the rough edges of life and helps me to see past the circumstances to the goodness of my Father.
2. Call upon His (God’s) name. Calling on God will get me through no matter what is going on in my life. Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Advocate. He is my Defender, my Rock, and my strong Foundation. I can depend on Him.
3. Make known His deeds among the people. It seems like people should know what God has done, but they don’t. They come up with all sorts of explanations to explain God out of the picture. That’s why I need to keep making His work known, even when it isn’t popular or politically correct. Even when people turn away.
4. Sing to Him. Music is good for the soul. Singing to the Lord lightens my heart. I don’t have to be able to carry a tune for the words and music to carry me to God’s heart. Just like I always loved to hear my babies sing, God loves to hear my voice lifted to Him.
5. Talk of His wonderful works. We talk a lot. I need to talk about Him and what He is doing, because He does good, good work.
6. Glory in His holy name. No matter what is happening in my life, I need to make sure He is getting the glory. He is the One who deserves the glory. May His glory shine!
7. Let your heart rejoice in Him. God is the God of joy. He calls me to rejoice in Him. When I walk with Him, sing to Him, glory in Him, giving thanks to Him, I will find my heart rejoicing along the way.
8. Seek the Lord and His strength. All day long I need to seek and ask for the Lord’s strength. I am apt to start operating in my own strength, and that is when I begin to flounder and fail.
9. Seek His face forevermore. This is more than just seeking Him for strength. This is about seeking His presence, abiding in Him, wanting to be near Him. As the old hymn says, I am prone to wander, so I need to seek the Lord today. I need to keep my heart centered on who He is and seek what He desires.
10. Remember His marvelous works. Remember when God … It’s good to think back and remember the times that God brought us through hard times, when He rescued us, helped us. The rest of Psalm 105 recounts God’s salvation of Israel and how He brought them out of Egypt into the Promised Land. God has rescued me from sin and set my feet on a new path. He has carried me through days and years. He has blessed me beyond measure. I need to remember, and I need to give thanks.
What a great “To Do” list!
I better get started. This is going to take all day. It will probably take the rest of my life.
Won’t you join me?
Father, You keep life so good and exciting. You give me good things to do. You remind me of the right way to go, and You give me strength each day to keep going that way. Keep me talking about Your wonderful works, Lord. Keep me singing to You. Some days my voice is pretty scratchy but let the praises flow because You deserve them all. I know that I can't accomplish anything without Your help. I'm depending on You, Lord. All day, every day. In Jesus’ wonderful name I pray.
"For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations" (Psalm 100:5, KJV).
Think About It
What is on your "To Do" list for today?
Are you asking God to help you accomplish your goal?
IN JESUS NAME I PRAY AMEN!!