But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me. 30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.31 This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves.32 The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live! 33 The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. 34 Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, 35 for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it; 36 the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there. (Psalm 69:29-35)
Thoughts: The rest of this week, we will look at some reasons scripture says to be thankful. Psalm 69 is about a person in pain trusting God, and how his pain turned him to God, and how he reacts. He was trusting in God to deliver Him- that the kingdom of God would be rebuilt, that the children of another generation would keep the faith, and that the poor would also be blessed through him. He was not talking about giving money (or ox or bull) in response to God's deliverance, but giving praise, song, and thanksgiving- which is even more important than money. If you are afflicted, focus on God and His help for you. If you can, give praise, thanks, and sing to Him.
Prayer: When you deliver me, the poor, the church, the next generation is helped because I will praise you, O Lord.
Deborah Norville in her book, "Thank you Power" speaks of a study by Robert Emmons (UC-Davis) who found that people who focused on being grateful had less colds, less headaches, more energy (and exercise), were less anxious and were seen as more compassionate and kind.
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