Ordinary Time

Pause

The root of generosity, as in most matters of faith, is trust.

Do I trust that there is enough to share?

Enough for me and for you and for all of us?

Do I trust in God's abundance?

Listen

You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Psalm 30:11-12

Think

The Psalmist wants to sing praises without end, because God has done something wonderful! That something wonderful is life — life that’s given, sustained, protected, and healed by God.

When I read these psalm verses, I feel like the praise is just gushing out in every direction. There are a lot of big words here: my WHOLE being might sing praises and NEVER stop … I will give thanks to you FOREVER! This is generous praise!

This is praise that doesn’t hold anything back. This is praise that fills one’s whole life — heart, mind, soul, and strength. This is generous praise!

It’s a praise that doesn’t stop to deliberate. It doesn’t think before breaking out into dancing. It’s not cynical. This is generous praise!

It’s a praise that is full of life and joy. It’s a praise that knows not to take these for granted. It’s praise that spills over for everyone to see. This is generous praise!

You too have received this wonderful life from God. Give God your generous praise!

Meredith Forssman

Pray

God, may I sing praises to you with my whole being and never stop! You have given me this life. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever. Amen.

Go

Go out and share with your heart.

Don’t share because you feel pressured. Don’t share with hesitation.

Share with cheerfulness and with love.

For you can trust in this: “God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.”

based on 2 Corinthians 9:7-8