Being more thankful can perhaps reduce the pressures and stress a person may have.
David is praising the Lord in Psalm 32. As David confesses his sin to God and rejoices in the forgiveness the Lord has given to him, he has much to be thankful for. He goes on to record the following in Psalm 32:7, Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Indeed. Stop and think about that for a moment. David was trusting the Lord to deliver him from his troubles. Anything David could worry about are the same things we could be worrying about today. What do you need deliverance in or from today?
David’s expectant heart is grounded in a thankful spirit. He is showing appreciation to God for His forgiveness to David in Psalm 32. David is expressing his desire and dependence to and upon the Lord. His is an attitude of gratitude. Do you have an attitude of gratitude?
When we have hearts of thankfulness, it is much easier to cast our burdens to the Lord, trust God to take care of the problems, and rejoice in a life with less shame, guilt, and unfulfilled dreams. When we are thankful, casting our burdens to the Lord and resting in His promises, we can rest better at night. I like the story James A. Sanaker, in Gospel Herald relates.
“Do you count sheep when you have a hard time getting to sleep at night?” asked Mrs. Bee.
“Why, no, I don’t believe I ever do,” replied the neighbor, Mrs. Dee.
“Well, I suppose you are one of those lucky persons who never lie awake nights,” sighed Mrs. Bee.
“On the contrary,” Mrs. Dee replied; “I spend quite a few hours, in the course of a week, in bed but not asleep.” “What do you do to bring slumber?” “I count my blessings,” smiled Mrs. Dee. “If I begin to worry about a younger child, I remember how the older ones improved with years and I pray earnestly for the one on my mind. I can count answers to prayer by the dozen. If I am thinking of money and it troubles me so I cannot sleep, I go back in my book of memories and find time after time when the Lord gave us relief from financial problems. I can truly count my blessings, up to a point where I don’t need to try and number them but just relax and know that God is still able to deliver me from anything, present or future. Eventually, peace and calm replace restless anxiety and I sink into sweet, restful sleep.”
“I must try that,” nodded Mrs. Bee.
“I guess I’ve tried every method but the right one. Thank you for the reminder.”
Friend, be encouraged to develop and maintain a daily attitude of gratitude. A thankful heart will result in less stress, a deeper daily walk with Jesus, and more peaceful sleep at night!
EDC Christian 