All Sorts of Reasons
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! Psalm 147:12
Numerous studies have proved the positive effect gratitude has in our lives. Personally, I have experienced this to be true as well. When I make a point of giving thanks— particularly in those times when I feel stressed or overwhelmed—doing so often has a ripple effect. The more reasons I can find to give thanks, the more I become aware of God’s presence around me. And the more I’m reminded of God’s presence and provision, the more I am able to experience God’s peace and find calm in the frenzy of life.
Long before gratitude journals became popular— indeed, millennia before modern science and therapy practices pointed to the benefits of gratitude for the sake of wellness and life satisfaction—the psalmist penned these words for the assembly, listing all sorts of reasons to give God praise. The psalmist’s words invite us to ponder: What am I thankful for today? How many reasons can we find to give God praise?
God, you are worthy of our praise. Keep our eyes open to all the ways you care for us. Amen.
By Kari van Wakeren in Christ In Our Home