Counting Thoughts

Have you ever counted sheep?
No, I mean seriously.
Neither have I.
Unless they were my own sheep and I knew the subtle individual characteristics of each one, counting them would be a pretty boring responsibility.
Counting imaginary sheep has become the symbol of an activity that can induce sleep. I’ve tried it a few times. I did eventually fall asleep but I don’t think the sheep-counting made any real contribution. Anyway, I can’t remember.
The Psalmist has discovered a more blessed activity to engage his weary mind. Instead of counting sheep, he counts the number of God’s thoughts toward him.
“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.” (Psalm 139:17-18)
David has also discovered a predominant characteristic of God’s thoughts toward us. Each thought is “precious”. The predominant meaning of precious is “valuable or of significant worth”. THE MESSAGE translates this word as “rare and beautiful”.
Imagine with me, God’s thoughts toward us and each one rare and beautiful. Now try and count them.
What a God!
Good night.