Life consists of pieces of a puzzle. The talents, joys, pain and suffering in our lives come together to form odd shaped tiles. Often we stare confused at the strange pieces unsure where they fit in this world. With out even a glimpse of the final image we can not know where to place our puzzle pieces.

We push and prod trying to jam the odd shapes into any opening we see, but end up only bending and tearing our pieces. Occasionally we simply toss the odd shaped puzzle tile away sure it does not fit any where.

God waits for us to hand him those bunged up pieces of our lives. In his hand rests the final picture. He takes our tragedy, our talent, and those things we love the most; rotates them until they ease into the final master piece.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I boiled down the lines of the psalm 1 Chronicle 16 into what I think are the ten principles David taught his people about living a life of gratitude and as a result a life in deep relationship with God. I believe these principles were why David was a man after God’s own heart. These steps created a spirit filled with enough trust in God and with a love for God were his greatest desires was to do God’s will.

1) Give thanks to the Lord

2) Call upon his name

3) Make known his deeds

4) Sing unto him

5) Talk about his wondrous work

6) Glory in his holy name

7) Seek the Lord and his strength

8) Remember his marvelous works

9) Remember his covenant

10) Offering of thanksgiving