Psalm 146:1

We are counting our blessings and singing God’s praises. We choose to give thanks every single day.

In our verse, the psalmist speaks forcibly to his soul, “Praise the Lord!” He seems to be waking up his sluggish soul and reminding it to give praise where praise is due.

A popular quote asks the direct question: “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” Ouch! How easy it is for us to get sidetracked by all the distractions that clamor for our attention. How quickly our world-weary souls bow under the weight of everyday pressures.

But the psalmist rings the alarm and shakes our shoulders: “Praise the Lord, O my soul!” And he proceeds to spell out all the reasons that those whose hope is in the Lord should be happy.

God always does what He says that He will do. He executes justice for the oppressed. He gives food to the hungry and freedom to the prisoners. He opens the eyes of the blind and raises up those who are bowed down. He watches over strangers, the orphans, and the widows – those who feel displaced and lonely.

Today, rouse your soul! Wake it from its slumber, and remind it of all the reasons that God has given you to be happy. Count your blessings one by one!