Let all that I am praise the LORD;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the LORD;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
Psalm 103:1-2, NLT*
When I’m praising God, worshipping Him, I’m most at peace. Self is lost in the wonder of who He is.
Ingratitude gets in the way and steals my focus, like the snake in the garden. There’s so much to be thankful for, but I can forget it in the face of a perceived lack or slight.
Keeping a gratitude list helps, especially if there’s a (short) daily quota, because it keeps me looking for the good instead of the bad.
Reading back through the list helps too. Remembering warms me and helps me praise God.
God our Provider, You give richly: not just materially but gifts that heal and grow our spirits. Thank You for the many ways You touch each of our lives, sometimes so personally that no one else would recognize the love message in the touch. Grow us to praise You with all that we are. Let us thrive in Your care.
∞
I know we’ve had a bunch of Matt Redman songs lately, but his 10,000 Reasons goes so well with this week’s verse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jYLTn4fKYQ
*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Love your posts, Janet. So often they speak right to the moment I’m in. God bless your faithfulness!!
XO – Sheila
Thanks, Sheila! Your sunny spirit encourages me.
How true, because praising is facing the reality of God in our every situation — no matter how tough it may appear. The Psalms are a good source for a listing of the things we should praise God for.
Aren’t the Psalms a great prayer resource, Margaret? So glad we have them.
I love the prayer you end your post with, Janet. I need to write it out and post it on my computer screen. Thanks.
I have little quotes and prayers posted around home, and they remind me to keep focused.