Choosing Gratitude: 30 Day Challenge: Day 4

Day 4: Another...and Another
Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:1-5

I recently interviewed a woman for our Revive Our Hearts broadcast who has faithfully memorized and meditated on Scripture for more than fifty years.  She talked about the many benefits she has received as a result of hiding God's Word in her heart.

I was amazed when she mentioned that she had never really been depressed.  She explained that whenever she finds herself becoming a bit down and blue, she begins to quote Psalm 103.  At that point in the interview she proceeded to recite the entire psalm--from memory, thoughtfully, with heartfelt expression.

It as a amoving expereience fore lal of us who were in the room listening.  When she goit tot hte end of the passage, there was a holy hush.  The first thought that went through my mind was, " How in the wold could anyone ever be overwhelmed wiht depression, and how in the world could I ever give in to discouragement, if all theses blessings are ours--and they are!"

As we recognize and identify the specific blessings we have received from God an dfrom others, we discover countless reasons for expressing gratitude.  The psalmist took time to bless the Lord for specifice benefits--he didn't wnat to forget even one of the theof them!  As  you open your heart to Him in prayer today, ask God to reveal to you just how great your "benefits package" really is.

Designate several pages in your journal or notebook for each of these two headings:  "Gifts from God" and  "Gifts from Others."  Then start making a list of everything that comes to mind.  As you try filling these in with personal examples, it's quite natural for your writing to stop and start, sometimes piling up faster than you can get the blessings down, sometimes drawing a blank abou twhat to putnext.  So don't try forcing this into a one-time, ten-minute exercise.  Keep adding to these lists as additional gifts come to mind over the next thirty days (and beyohnd!).

GRATITUDE IN ACTION

• After you've written out a list of your blessings, take some time to walk through your list line by line, thankiking God for each of these "benefits."
• Read Psalm 103 alod.  Try memorizing and meditiating on at least the first five verses over the next week or so.