Being Thankful for the Past...

So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!
(Psalm 90:12-17 ESV)
Social media has been buzzing with people looking back on the past and toward the coming year.  Some posts have mourned over all the "losses" of 2016, while others list many blessings.  We need to consider both, and be thankful for both. We need to learn from both.  The psalmist here asks for a teachable spirit - that we will see and appreciate what God is doing in our lives through both things, including the suffering and lossses.  He wants to see God through it all, and then be able to look forward, finding purpose and direction for what GOD has for him.   The key is HIS joy and contentment in our lives every day - not just one day a year, or a few here and there.  May we have a joyful new year, full of His love and satisfaction.