Psalm 13: Verses 2,5 and 6 (NIV Anglicised Version)
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
But I trust in your unfailing love,
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
How often, when we’re having a difficult time, do our thoughts go round and round in our head until they wear us out? I’m learning that when I get into that mindset that the best thing to do is to make an effort to turn my thoughts towards God. It might sound like an old cliché, but a good way to do that is to count our blessings. In doing so, like David in this psalm, we end up praising God for His goodness to us – and that makes us feel much better!
I had a night last week where I couldn’t sleep. I wasn’t worried about anything, but I just couldn’t nod off. On nights like that I can end up frustrated and grumpy. This time, however, I started to sing old hymns and songs to myself. I ended up falling asleep with a smile. I must remember to do that the next time I have a wakeful night!
Dear God,
Help me to turn my thoughts to You when I become overwhelmed by them. It’s a good thing to count my blessings at such times, for You really have been good to me and are worthy of my praise.
Amen.