Psalm 68:19 (hcsb) May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation.Selah
Psalm 68 is an interesting passage. It was intended to be used in worship by Israel as a song of victory and deliverance. It recounts the many difficulties they endured and speaks of them being afflicted, oppressed, helpless, sinful, and exposed to hurt and pain; yet this Psalm recalls that God provided for His people in the tough wilderness wanderings and in the days of bountiful blessing in the Promised Land of Canaan. In both the good times and the bad, God blessed them and cared for them. In this passage, His people recognize that and thank Him for it.
Often in the bad or difficult times of our life, our eyesight grows dim and we fail to recognize God’s hand of blessing. We choose rather, to focus on the negatives and let them pull us down. At times we may not even see the positives in our situation. But friend, listen! God always gives blessings even though they may not be readily seen. Therefore, instead of focusing on what was lost, choose to focus on what is left!
I encourage you to deliberately find things to be thankful for every day of the year. Intentionally look for God’s hand at work in your life and praise Him! Remember that daily He gives multiple blessings. Matthew Henry the great Bible commentator said, “So many, so weighty are the gifts of God’s bounty, that He may be truly said to load us with them.” Yes, face life’s difficulties, but focus on the load of blessings that surround you and thank God for them. Remember, a thankful heart is a joyful heart! Happy Thanksgiving!
