I was feeling down yesterday. My throat hurt from coughing, my nose was stuffy, and my head ached. I was just dwelling on how bad I felt.

And then I looked over at my husband, Mike. He had been nursing me for the past couple of days and I knew he was tired too. I really appreciated what he had done for me. After I told him thank you, I said, "Being married to you makes me praise God more."

Instantly, my Spirit lifted as I started thinking about all the other things for which I wanted to praise God. Ephesians chapter 1 details the blessings we have in Him:

1. Blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

2. Chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love

3. Adopted us as sons by Jesus Christ to himself

4. Redeemed us through His blood

5. Forgiven us of sins

6. Given us the riches of His grace in all abundance and prudence

7. Makes known to us the mystery of His will

8. Given us an inheritance

9. Sealed us with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee

10. Made us alive in Christ

11. Given us His peace

12. Given us access to Him in Christ

13. Made us fellow citizens with the saints and the household of God

A psychiatrist once said that most people he had encountered with neurotic disorders were fault finders; their thoughts centered around what they've lost or what they lack. However for a Christian, those blessings are always ours, even when our outward circumstances aren't great. 

Praising God and having an attitude of gratitude helps you focus on what you've gained and the abundance you have in Him. That's certainly a better place to live mentally, wouldn't you agree?

Meditating on the list above should help lift your Spirit, transporting you into God's presence. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty!