As we turn to Thursday’s Psalm, we are invited into a practice of gratitude and trust. Psalm 81 calls us to remember the abundance in our lives. It reminds us of divine provision and the importance of opening ourselves to possibility. Today, as you engage with this psalm, reflect on the blessings you might overlook and how gratitude can shape your perspective. Let’s begin.
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For the leader; on the gittith. Of Asaph.
Sing joyously to God, our strength;
raise a shout for the God of Jacob.Take up the song,
sound the hand-drum,
the melodious lyre and harp.Blow the horn on the new moon,
on the full moon for our feast day.For it is a law for Israel,
a ruling of the God of Jacob—imposed as a decree upon Joseph
when he went forth from the land of Egypt;
I heard a language that I knew not.“I relieved his shoulder of the burden,
his hands were freed from the basket.In distress you called and I rescued you;
I answered you from the secret place of thunder
I tested you at the Waters of Meribah. Selah.Hear, My people, and I will admonish you;
Israel, if you would but listen to Me!You shall have no foreign god,
you shall not bow to an alien god.I the ETERNAL am your God
who brought you out of the land of Egypt;
open your mouth wide and I will fill it.But My people would not listen to Me,
Israel would not obey Me.So I let them go after their willful heart
that they might follow their own devices.If only My people would listen to Me,
if Israel would follow My paths,then would I subdue their enemies at once,
strike their foes again and again.”Those who hate GOD shall cower;
their doom shall be eternal.[God] fed Israel the finest wheat;
“I sated you with honey from the rock.
Gratitude and Joy for Divine Provision
“I the ETERNAL am your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it..” (Psalm 81:11)
Reflection: Thursday is a day to celebrate the blessings we have received and the abundance of life’s opportunities. Psalm 81 reminds us of divine provision and care, urging us to trust that our needs can be met when we open ourselves to possibility and gratitude.
Inspiration for Daily Living: Abundance often begins with gratitude. When we approach the day with joy and appreciation for what we have, we open ourselves to receiving even more blessings.
Practical Guidance: Look for one moment of joy or abundance today, no matter how small. It could be a meal, a kind word, or the warmth of the sun. Let that moment fill your heart and inspire your actions.
Connection to a Larger Tradition: Psalm 81 recalls the Exodus, a time of liberation and divine care. In Mishnah Tamid 7:4, this psalm is designated for Thursday, aligning with the creation of birds and fish—symbols of divine sustenance and abundance. Just as God provided for creation and redeemed the Israelites from Egypt, this psalm reminds us that gratitude and trust in divine support are woven into the fabric of Jewish tradition.
A Source of Hope and Strength: Even in times of uncertainty, Psalm 81 reassures us that sustenance is near. Trust that you have the resources, within yourself and in the world, to navigate life’s challenges.
A Framework for Gratitude: Reflect on the blessings you often take for granted. From food to friendships, recognize the ways in which your needs are met, and let gratitude fill your heart.
A Regular Practice of Faith: Recite this verse from Psalm 81 as a reminder of past liberation:
“I the ETERNAL am your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt”
Let it remind you that just as God guided our ancestors, you are not alone on your journey toward freedom and fulfillment.
Question: What blessings in my life am I most grateful for today, and how can I acknowledge them with joy and appreciation?
Action: Pause to express gratitude for one specific blessing in your life. Share your appreciation with someone, whether through words, a small gift, or a kind act. Let your joy ripple outward and inspire others.
Your Feedback Matters
As I work on turning this practice into a book, your insights are invaluable. Let me know:
What resonated most?
What could be expanded or clarified?
How did this practice impact your day?
Reply to this newsletter or leave a comment. Your feedback will help shape this project—thank you!
*Note: The next section of the book will focus on Psalm 93 and will be available Friday February 21th