Read:
In Psalm 103, David writes, "Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me" (Psalm 103:2, NLT). He isn't feeling grateful and writing it down. He's telling himself to remember to be grateful.
Gratitude isn't just a feeling that shows up on its own. Sometimes it's a choice to go back and remember what God has done, especially when life is busy enough or hard enough that we lose track.
David made a list. God forgives, heals, redeems, surrounds us with love and mercy, and fills our lives with good things. Then he goes deeper. God doesn't treat us as our sins deserve. He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. And he knows we're only dust, which means our weakness never surprises God.
Vague gratitude can fade fast. “God is good” is true, but “God got me through that week in March” is something you'll remember. When you need encouragement the most, do what David did—list everything God has done for you, big and small, and let each one be a reminder of his faithfulness.
Reflect: Which line in this psalm describes something God has done for you?