Day 15 - PRACTICE GRATITUDE
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
1. Gratitude inspires us to kick PASSivitiy. It causes us to fully engage our heart – v 1 “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, bless His holy name!”
2. Gratitude causes us to REMEMBER God’s unfailing promises and His faithfulness to us – v2 “…and FORGET NOT all His benefits…”
· He FORGIVES and HEALS – v3
· He REDEEMS and CROWNS us with HONOR and DIGNITY – v4
· He SATISFIES [fulfils needs and expectations; solves, dispels, discharges fully,] us with GOOD THINGS and RENEWS our youth –v5
Gratitude always gives us a God-centered perspective instead of a self-centered focus, which is an indispensible attribute of true happiness and fulfillment.
THINGS TO DO AS YOU PRACTICE GRATITUDE –
1. As you pray, acknowledge God’s goodness, blessing and favor in every area of your life – for His grace, mercy, love, blessing, favor, good health, relationships, job, home, etc.
2. Take a moment to send a note, text or email to your spouse, parents, a friend, a pastor, a mentor, coach, etc for something positive they have done to make you the person you are today.
3. And remember to include those who might be classified as your enemies. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…”
Following Hard After God,
Keith A. Craft
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