“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:1-3 ESV).

Let’s try this: Set everything aside and focus on Jesus. Let’s bless him and praise him for his goodness. 

Consider the stories of the gospels—feeding the five thousand, stilling the storm, and defending the woman brought to Jesus by those who hated him. Consider his teaching about loving one another above ourselves. How about his gentle instruction to pay attention to God’s beautiful world so we can be reassured about God’s love for us? Consider additional signs of his power: raising people from the dead, offering his own body for us, coming back to life on the third day. 

Which story resonates with you today? What would it have been like to follow Jesus in that particular moment? How would he have acted? What did he say? Bless Jesus for his goodness and the wonderful ways he works.

Consider whatever good and lovely thing you’ve treasured in these few minutes. How can you let it be the lens through which you view the rest of your day? With the psalmist, you can say, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed” (Psalm 34:4,5 ESV).