“What keeps you so young?” I asked my sister-in-law the other day.  No kidding.  She’s in her seventies and looks beautiful and so full of life.  I wondered about her secret.  “Oh, the usual,” she laughed.  “I’ve tried to eat healthy and exercise.  Plus, I’m half Lebanese, you know, so I’ve got some help with my genetics.” Then she paused, “But honestly, my real secret is from Psalm 103:5.  Keeping a thankful heart and staying in His presence keeps me young!”

Curious about her “secrets” from Psalm 103? Take some time to ponder:

O my soul, bless God.
From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don’t forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.

(Psalm 103:1-5 MSG).

This is Day Fifteen of our 21 Day Watch.  I’ve been reflecting on the power of thankfulness and how it can actually help us be more watchful.  Gratitude keeps us alert to God’s work all around us.  Psalm 103:5  reminds us what my sister-in-law has discovered:  That a thankful heart also keeps us youthful and vibrant.

Can gratitude really keep you young and healthy? Turns out there’s some science to back up what God says in His Word.  Researchers studied subjects who practiced gratitude and found that they experienced a rise in their level of disease fighting antibodies.  In addition to blessing God, gratitude is actually good for you.

I spent some time pondering Psalm 103 during my time alone with God this morning.  Click here to read this beautiful Psalm in its entirety.  My prayer is that as you prayerfully reflect on God’s Word and His truth, He’ll give you practical tips on how to renew your youth and breathe life into your tired soul.