My cell phone is amazing. It has replaced so many other “things” that I once carried in my purse, It has a flashlight , a clock, a calendar, a pedometer, music, games, a camera and it functions as a phone and a computer. I can
google” any subject that I want to know and find I know that there are even other functions that I will never use. While I am not addicted to my phone I do rely on it for daily communications and information.
II Timothy 3:15 says that the word of God is “given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the children of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished into all good works.” I need to rely on His Word for those daily communications and information. The multi functions of Scripture cover all our daily needs and have more truths and guidance than we will ever use. There is nothing in life that is not addressed in the Bible in actuality or principle. Being “addicted” to the Bible would be a wonderful circumstance in our lives. The more we read it, the more we want to read it. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Are you memorizing God’s word to hide it in your heart? Do you have a special verse that you claim for 2019? Please choose one if you haven’t yet and share it here in the comments. Let’s have some daily communication around God’s word!
Recently a friend told me about a very difficult period in her life. She fell into a depression from which she couldn’t pull herself out. During that time someone advised her to find three things for which she was thankful and to write them down. She decided to listen to that advise, and from then on she has “religiously” kept a gratitude journal. If you met her today, you would never imagine that she ever had a negative thought in her life. My friend is fulfilled; one of the happiest people I know. Incredible. Or not?
The Benefits of Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is one of the best ways to increase your happiness and improve your life, because gratitude reprograms your mind to focus on the positive. Hundreds of studies have shown us the benefits of gratitude. People who are grateful have a greater sense of purpose, see their lives as significant, have positive relationships, a positive disposition and experience greater levels of joy, satisfaction and optimism. You can’t be unhappy and thankful at the same time, nor have self-pity and gratitude, just like you can’t feel frustrated and thankful at the same time.
If that’s the case, why are so many people who aren’t grateful?
Many people aren’t grateful because they aren’t able to accept the role of God or others in their lives. They believe they have a right to all the benefits they have, and they take them for granted. Maybe it’s because the situations they find themselves in are bad, things haven’t turned out as they expected, or they have a lot of problems, like the saying goes life constantly gives them lemons. But I think the point of this saying is, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” So gratitude shouldn’t be a result of what happens to us, but an attitude we nurture as we put it into practice. Gratitude is a choice. In every situation we can find something for which to be grateful.
How do I incorporate gratitude into my life?
First of all, start like my friend: Take a notebook and title it ‘Gratitude Journal’. Keep it next to your bed. In that journal write down every day three things for which you are grateful. It might be difficult in the beginning to find these things, but start simple. Write down that you’re grateful that you are breathing, that you have a roof over your head, that you had something to eat that day… Give thanks for your family, friends, a beautiful day…for a sunset, that someone made you laugh…, and you will see as you start that every day it will be easier to find things for which you are grateful.
Give thanks for the people in your life. Give thanks for your parents who gave you life, give thanks for your spouse that made you lunch, give thanks for the worker that did their job…even if it is understood and normal for them to do so. Give thanks with a note, or a little gift and show the people in your life that you appreciate them and value what they do for you.
Use the breaks life gives you. When the traffic light turns red, when there’s a jam on the road, when you’re stuck in a line, while you’re waiting at the doctor’s office…count the things for which you can be grateful, and remember the people for whom you can give thanks.
Try it out, and after some time you will notice that you are more satisfied and that you have a positive look on life.
I don’t like being a sheep…not at all! Being a sheep doesn’t seem to me to be any kind of achievement, nor do I consider that comparison a compliment. However, the Bible says that I am a sheep. I get lost easily. I’m equally helpless, gullible, and I can’t survive alone. I need a shepherd. The Bible says I have a Shepherd, and the best one out there. My Shepherd is a good shepherd, Jehovah Raah, and because He is my Shepherd, this psalm is my prayer, my comfort through life as much as He was for King David. God is my Shepherd and I shall not want. He cares for me. He provides my every need, and like Paul I can say I know what it is to be in need, I know what it is to have plenty, but I have learned to be content in my Lord. When my soul is battered, tired and weighed down, He leads to green pastures and still waters. When I’m with Him, my soul is restored and I gain strength to move forward. He leads me in the paths of righteousness, because He chooses me to bring glory to His name.
Tough times will come, and unfortunately valleys of death are all around us, but I’m not afraid because my Shepherd is with me. He is my shield and my comfort. He is the One who defends and exalts me in the midst of my enemies. My life is filled with blessings, and that effects everything around me.
How can we live out this psalm in everyday life?
First, we can confess that we are sheep, we can’t do it alone, and that we need a shepherd.
Then we can thank the Lord, because He is our good Shepherd, and we can read this psalm through the coming days thinking about our wonderful Shepherd. This will completely change our perspective, the way we live and how cope with problems of this world.
