In her book One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp undertakes naming God’s gifts in her life. At first you might think, “Yeah, yeah, I’ve done that positive thinking stuff.” However, “naming” God’s gifts is actually acknowledging His presence in the specific moments of your life where you discern His handiwork.

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.

Psalm 91:14

Jacob, a man in the Old Testament, was one that recognized God’s presence. He named a place “Peniel” because he said he’d seen God face to face there. He came upon another place he interpreted as “God’s camp” and called it “Mahanaim.” There was a time Jacob believed he spoke with God and he named that place “Bethel.” Ironically, after all that naming, God renamed Jacob “Israel,” meaning “triumphant with God.”

Where do you see God at work today? Can you name it? Maybe you can identify the place of “Hope for America,” or specify the place of “Provision” for needs in your neighborhood. As you intentionally spotlight God’s work, you cannot help but see more of Him. And in naming His acts, you will find more than a thousand gifts of freedom and life to share with others.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 26:8-13