But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high! I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. Psalm 69:29-34 ESV
I have struggled with health issues for years, but the last few months have been exceptionally challenging.
Exhaustion
Pain
Isolation
Feeling alone and misunderstood
Wondering about purpose
I have heard a statement that I can sort-of quote –“a person can go a few weeks without food; a few days without water; a few minutes without air; but not even a few seconds without hope.”
And hope is based on God. Not on my circumstances. In fact, focusing on circumstances leads to despair.
The psalmist knew this as well. When his circumstances were dire, he turned his eyes to God.
God’s salvation
His goodness
His steadfast love
His faithfulness
It takes faith to decide to praise, when all I want to do is give up. However, giving thanks actually does renew hope.
Revives the spirit
Gets my eyes on God rather than on my circumstances
Revive Our Hearts has a 30-day “challenge” for choosing gratitude. Perfect timing.
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/resource-library/30-day-challenges/30-day-gratitude-challenge/
His grateful servant,
Bev
Sent from my iPad
Plea for Grace 