It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High. – Psalm 92:1
A report from UCLA Health lists the benefits of being thankful. When an attitude of gratitude is a “habitual and part of your thought processes,” these takeaways are available to you: reduced depression, decreased anxiety, a healthier heart, the lessening of stress, and improved sleep. Who wouldn’t want those as part of their life?
When the world is in conflict, when families are being torn apart, when there are divisions in the nation’s body politic, and even in its churches, do you find it hard to cultivate your gratefulness? Many keep a journal of their daily thoughts and activities. If you do that, take a few extra minutes and note the things in your day that occurred for which you can be grateful. You may have found moments of joy watching autumn leaves skittering across your lawn in the breeze. Or maybe you have heard a baby’s giggle while standing in the line at the grocery store. These joyful moments are small, but they add up. As you record them, pause and give thanks to the Lord. Allow your thoughts to dwell on the relief those things brought to your day. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you back!
In his commentary on Psalm 92, theologian David Guzik reminds you that it is good to give thanks to the Lord for other reasons as well: “It is appropriate to thank your Creator; it is fitting to thank your Redeemer; it is right to thank the One who blesses and delivers you; it is good because He is good; it is good because it sets an example for others.“ Theologian Charles Spurgeon says to add singing to your gratitude. “It is good to give thanks in the form of vocal song. Nature itself teaches us thus to express our gratitude to God; do not the birds sing, and the brooks warble as they flow?”
Direct your thoughts in thanksgiving to the Lord for both the great and small things in your life each day. Then, watch your gratitude grow until it becomes that habitual thought process that stays with you all through the day. It’s good for you!
Today’s Verse: Psalm 92:1
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 92
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
5 How great are your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep!
6 The stupid man cannot know;
the fool cannot understand this:
7 that though the wicked sprout like grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they are doomed to destruction forever;
8 but you, O Lord, are on high forever.
9 For behold, your enemies, O Lord,
for behold, your enemies shall perish;
all evildoers shall be scattered.
10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;
you have poured over me fresh oil.
11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.
12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the Lord;
they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
15 to declare that the Lord is upright;
he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
