The Grateful Heart

One of God’s richest blessings is a grateful heart;
      Always scanning the horizon for God’s handfuls of purpose He sets apart.
Like the Heavenly Manna God strewed for Israel every morning,
      The grateful heart eagerly searches for Celestial Dew, while others are scorning.

The dark cloud’s silver lining is its treasure search;
      Mount Pisgah’s lofty heights is its vigilant perch.
Jehovah’s nod of approval is its daily bread;
      Heavenly kosher is its diet, nothing instead.


Discouragement and disillusionment are scarce to be found;
      “All things must work together for the good,” is the creed it expounds.
Never whining or complaining, its tongue renders with gratitude
      Thanks and praises to its Heavenly Father, its bountiful attitude.


A merry and grateful heart has a continual feast,
      While the cynical heart is growling in hunger, never thankful in the least.
Lord grant that I always look to the good and not to the bad,
      For that ultimately determines whether I be happy or sad.


“The Lord loveth a cheerful giver;”
      The one who metes lavishly, not just a sliver.
Let my heart be light and generous, not just a little;
      One that looks to overflow others, not to strain every jot and tittle.


Lord let me crave your unleavened bread;
      Drink the wine of your goodness, and smack to every Word You have said.
Cause me to diligently seek and set apart
      Every decree of Holy Scripture with a grateful heart.

Composed by Jim Newnam

Psalm 51:7
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”

The six-pointed Star of David is the symbol of the hyssop blossom. I have adopted the Star of David as an emblem of God’s Goodness and Salvation.