Psalm 37:32-40
Those who are evil spy on the godly, waiting for an excuse to kill them. But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are brought before the judge. Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. I myself have seen it happen--proud and evil people thriving like mighty trees. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them! Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace. But the wicked will be destroyed; they have no future. The Lord saves the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.
Psalm 90: 12-17
Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom. O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so that we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us see your miracles again; let our children see your glory at work. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the Lord, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
Thank God for creature comforts.
Thank God for how the story ends.
Thank you Lord for all the extras in this life--electricity, heat, refrigerators, telephones, cell phones, internet, running water--indoors, toilets that flush, bathtubs/showers, heating blankets, warm clothes, shoes and all those other big and little things that just make our lives easier. Easier to live, but sometimes a distraction. Lord, help us not to become so comfortable and distracted that we forget to thank you and praise you. Thank you Lord that this world is not the end of the story. Thank you that YOU are coming back again to take us to live with you forever--no pain, no death, no crying or grief. Even though we struggle in this life and things don't always turn out the way we think they should, you are still working behind the scenes. You are still in control and will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you that this life is not the end of the story, but only the beginning for all who love you and trust in your Son, Jesus for salvation. Thank you!