Psalm 103 Praising God

My devotions took me to Psalm 103 today. I was struck by the devotional author's comment, "Do you pray to God for the sole purpose of praising Hm? You  have much for which to praise Him, for His love and care never cease. He save, keeps, and satisfies you. Never take God for granted; always take time to praise Him."

Wow! How many times do I come to the Lord with a grocery list. I sat in my chair and tried to form a prayer with just praise. When you don't do it all the time, a request gets in there quite often. 

We are to praise him and forget not all His benefits, and "Daily He loads us with benefits."

So what are my benefits?

a loving Heavenly Father, my Salvation, my Bible, my hubby, my family, that Dad seems a bit more relaxed at Crest Haven, friends here and there--scattered, friends that I know pray for me, a home with heat, I can breath clean air, I can get out of bed and walk around, I have food in the pantry/refrig/freezer, I have a pup that is a companion, and I have eyesight that can enjoy God's creation.

Then there are things about God that I can praise Him for,

His goodness, His greatness, His justness, His purity, His ability to not slumber or sleep, His mercy that is new every morning, His faithfulness, His sovereignty, and His power.

Now this is one moment in time that I can and have thought about this instead of having my mind crammed with other thoughts that are on the other side of the spectrum. I want to tell you that it is very easy for me to start thinking about the things that drag me into the depths of despair.  Just a phone call saying that Dad needs something or has a problem. Looking at the pile of Dad's financial matters that need tending. Thinking about the things that I need to get done today and know I won't even get the first one accomplished. 

BUT

When those times come I DO TRY to focus on God and not on what is before me. I may not be able to change my circumstances, BUT I CAN PRAISE THE LORD!

I have not "obtained" to any spiritual position, so don't stop praying for me. I just am sharing what I "chewed on" today. 

Wendell P. Loveless wrote a song with the words to Psalm 103

"He loves, he saves, He keeps, He satisfies this longing hear of mine; He fills my life to overflowing with His joy and peace divine. He guides, He guards, He watches over me, He slumbers not nor sleeps. For He is my glorious Saviour, and He loves He saves He keeps."