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What’s Going Right?

With so much negative news, every now and then we need to remind ourselves of how blessed we are. I was reminded this week that God is still moving and working in my life and the lives of those I care about. One of my cousins had major surgery. It could have altered her life if something had gone wrong. And there were a lot of things that could have gone wrong. But they didn’t. God is so good.

Life is full of highs and lows. We can’t change the circumstances around us, but we can adjust our response. David understood this. He had been anointed as the next king of Israel, but first, he had to survive the jealousy and wrath of Saul. The future king spent a lot of time running for his life. Even as his life was on the line, he found a reason to praise.


But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” (Psalms‬ ‭59:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬)


It’s not always easy to praise. In fact, David had to encourage himself in the Lord many times. His verbal proclamation, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul” was a vocal reminder to his heart and mind that God was worthy of praise despite what was happening around him. 


We could take a lesson from David. It’s so easy to get stuck in the negativity. It’s at these moments that we need to praise God and remind ourselves that there is good in every day. Sometimes you have to squint to see the silver lining. But it’s always there if you are willing to look for it. 


There’s so much going on in the world. There are things around us every day that can impact our attitude about life and others. You get to choose what to focus on and what will affect your mood each day. Take it from David that a praise outlook leads to a positive attitude. Take a moment to praise God for what’s going good.


Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to you now to thank you for every good thing in my life. I recognize that every good and perfect gift is from you, and I choose to find the good in every day. Help me to bless You at all times, even when overwhelming things surround me. And help me, God, to be the good for someone else each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.


For more perspective on this topic, check out my past blog: Life is Hard… God is Good


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.




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