When Gratitude Takes Over

We live in an over-stressed, over-busy, and over-distracted society, which have overtaken our daily lives, as a result we often forget what truly matters. There are some things we want to forget — the painful, the awkward, the disappointing — but there are also things we want to remember: the beautiful, the meaningful, the life-giving.

So what do we do?

We take pictures. We journal. We tell stories over and over again to friends and family. Why? Because remembering keeps joy alive.

A Harvard study published in The Journal of Happiness Studies explored how positive reminiscing impacts emotional well-being. Students were asked to intentionally recall happy memories for 10 minutes, twice a day, over the course of a week. The results?

Those who intentionally reflected on positive experiences reported greater happiness and life satisfaction than those who didn’t.

The lesson is simple:

While we all go through negative experiences, we don’t have to live stuck in them. We can choose to savor the good — to recall, relive, and give thanks for God’s goodness again and again.

That’s not just psychology; that’s biblical theology. God’s Word repeatedly calls us to remember His goodness — and Psalm 103 is one of the clearest examples. (SL 2)

Reading: Psalm 103:1–5

1 Bless the LORD, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, my soul, and do not forget any of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your guilt, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with favor and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

King David is speaking to himself — commanding his own soul to worship God. “Bless the Lord, O my soul,” he says, “and all that is within me.”

To bless the Lord means to praise Him — to speak well of God with gratitude and admiration. When God blesses us, we are helped, strengthened, and made better off than we were. But when we bless God, we respond in worship — not with half-hearted words, but with our entire being.

David reminds himself not to forget any of God’s benefits. The word “forget” here can mean “to lose memory of,” or even “to cease to care about.” In other words: Don’t take God’s goodness for granted. Don’t overlook His blessings. Remember.

Let’s be honest — isn’t easy to forget? When something good happens or when someone shows us kindness, it quickly becomes yesterday’s news.

I’ve had an ÖAMTC card in my wallet for years — even before we owned a car for when we were traveling to the US. Recently, after discovering a nail in our tire, I went to the local ÖAMTC. As I handed over my card, the kind gentleman behind the desk reminded me of all the benefits that came with it: free towing, repairs, diagnostics, travel discounts — benefits I had forgotten about or never even used.

How much more true is that spiritually?

When it comes to God’s benefits, these are not entitlements or perks — they’re undeserved gifts of grace.

3. Remember God

David, wrote this Psalm in his later years, and tells himself: (SL 3)

“Don’t forget that God forgives all your sins.”

He knew his own failures. In Psalm 25 he confessed,

“Lord, for the sake of your name, forgive my iniquity, for it is great.”

The Hebrew word for iniquity means deliberate rebellion — willfully pushing against God.

And yet — God forgives. Not because we deserve it, but because it is in His nature to be merciful. Where we might seek revenge or justice, God offers forgiveness and restoration. That’s grace.

David tells himself: (SL 4)

“Don’t forget the One who heals all your diseases.”

God cares for both body and soul. Have you ever asked Him for healing — and He answered? Even though our earthly bodies are fragile and aging, those who belong to Christ have the promise of a future without disease, death, or decay (Revelation 21:4; 22:1–3).

Every act of healing now — physical, emotional, or spiritual — is a preview of the resurrection to come.

David continues: (SL 5) “Don’t forget the One who redeems your life from the pit.”

David had a quiet confidence that when this life ended, he would be safe with God forever (Psalm 16:7–10).

When we remember the incredible price Jesus paid to redeem us — to give us eternal life — gratitude overflows into security and joy. We stop living in fear and start living in confidence.

David said to himself: (SL 6) “Don’t forget the One who crowns you with steadfast love and compassion.”

In the ancient world, a crown symbolized victory, honor, and worth.

God crowns His people not with gold, but with love and compassion — a love like that of a mother for her child.