Joel M Bradshaw

1It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.–Psalm 92

We don’t know who wrote Psalm 92. It was listed as a song for Sabbath. Well, it’s not Sabbath. But these 7 truths are great reminders for a Monday morning.

1. IT’S GOOD TO THANK GOD. Honestly, make thanksgiving your go-to perspective when it comes to life and God. There’s always things to grumble about, but turn a grumble list into a thanksgiving list. Seriously. It will change your depressing story around.
2. IT’S GOOD TO PRAISE GOD. This is similar to one. Haven’t you had enough of yourself and seeking after yourself? Selfish pursuits are so unfulfilling in the end. So you got that ‘attaboy at work. So the friend noticed your new haircut. We tend to live for the praise of others, so why not start your day by intentionally praising God instead of yourself?
3. FOCUS ON GOD’S LOVE IN THE MORNING. God has been faithful to bring you to a new day. What an opportunity to live this day for his glory! Every new morning is a new commitment to the day. It’s a great perspective to have in the morning with the whole day ahead.
4. FOCUS ON GOD’S FAITHFULNESS AT NIGHT. God faithfully brought you through the stresses of the day. Here you are. Ready to wind down and find rest. God provided for you today. He cared for your needs. Time for more thanksgiving! Make that thankful list now.
5. MUSIC IS GOOD. The psalm writer liked things in the guitar family. They must have helped him focus his devotions. Music is good that way. It stimulates memories for us and evokes emotions within us. Certain music helps us focus. And other music is great for the treadmill! Find music that inspires good things in you and add them to your time.
6. BE SATISFIED IN HOW GOD WORKS. You’re already not grumbling. You are thankful and praising God. Now dig deep into your heart and be satisfied. God is enough. How he has led you is enough. His shepherding skills need no tune-up. The green pasture and quiet waters to which he has led you is enough. You don’t long for greener pastures, because you are satisfied with your Shepherd’s works.
7. GOD’S WORKS RESULT IN YOUR JOY. You have found your greatest possible happiness in God. The way he works and provides in your life is so wonderful that you can’t help but rejoice. It becomes like an identity for you. Everyone naturally sees this joy in you. And as Scripture tells us, this joy from God is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Seven things to start your week. Seven perspectives with which to organize your day. Thanksgiving instead of grumbling. Praise of God instead of self. God’s love brought you to a new day. His faithfulness say you through it. Have good music. Be satisfied in God. Find your greatest happiness in God. These seven will transform you.–JMB