March 7, 2005 Psalm 148

 March 7, 2005                                                                                                            Psalm 148

 

Psalm 148:1-2 “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!”

 

            The work of Martin Seligman, PhD is rapidly becoming more visible and appreciated in modern psychology.  His revolutionary and scientifically-based idea of “Positive Psychology” as a meaningful approach to achieving and sustaining wellbeing focuses on strengths rather than weaknesses.  He asserts that happiness is not the result of good genes or good luck, but rather can be cultivated by identifying and using many of the strengths and traits we already possess.  One of the signature strengths purported in his recent book, “Authentic Happiness” is gratitude.  Dr. Seligman indicates that by developing a higher appreciation for the good things that happen to you and never taking them for granted, you alter your consciousness of the world around you.  Gratitude is an appreciation of someone else’s excellence in moral character.  As an emotion, it is a sense of wonder, thankfulness and appreciation for life itself.  Gratitude can be directed toward other people or other sources, such as God, but can never be directed toward the self.  The Latin basis for the word is gratia which means grace.

            The Psalmist has much the same message for us.  “Praise the Lord.”  He calls us to turn our attention outward toward the Lord and recognize the amazing gifts and possibilities God creates for us.  God calls us to be grateful not because He wants applause for His efforts.  He calls us to be grateful because the simple act of gratitude fills our soul with joy and wonder, and leads us to higher levers of satisfaction with life.

            Let’s try something today.  While you go about your daily activities, take time to spontaneously express gratitude to at least three people who touch you in some way… the person who lets you squeeze in front of them in the check-out line when you’re in a hurry; the waiter/waitress who brings your meal; or the child who shares his or her homework with you.  Take time to recognize and appreciate others in your live.  And give praise to God every opportunity you get.

 

Dear God, thank you.  You are amazing.  Because of you, our lives are filled with so many opportunities to express our gratitude.  Please help us to pay attention and appreciate all these blessings.  We praise you and give you thanks.  Amen.

 

Contributed by Julie Leverenz