2 Chronicles 5-8

In 2 Chronicles 5-8, King Solomon leads all of Israel in celebrating the one true King that rules over all of our lives.  Solomon shows us all how to "pray" through our work.  The Lord's temple and Solomon's palace are finished after twenty years of service.  God appears to Solomon just like he did with King David, so Solomon knows the plans God has for him and the rest of His people.  Solomon keeps building and rebuilding faith and cities for God.  During this time in Israel, believers are able to spend some invaluable time reflecting on their Savior's great promises and amazing works.

3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,

“He is good;

    his love endures forever.”

2 Chronicles 7:3

That's where my head is today.  

Reflecting on God's promises and handiwork in our lives, with thanksgiving, does wonders for nurturing our souls and strengthening our faith.

So, I want to stop and give thanks today.

It's easy to thank God for the obviously glorious things in my life.  But, I want to stretch myself today.  Knowing God is all good and all of His plans are perfect, I know I need to do that on a daily basis.  I need to give thanks for EVERYTHING, recognizing the breadth and depth of God's goodness and love in all circumstances.

Especially when the day is dull or hard and long, when we get stuck in our routines, when we are exhausted and emotional, when it's hard to take in the reality that is right in front of us, when we are struggling... that's when we have the most room for thankfulness and blessings. 

It feels counterintuitive I know.  But, we have to know God is so much more than a feeling in our lives.

It's these kind of days when we have to rely on faith and hope, the not-so obvious, the things that are unseen without effort, that's when we are able realize the fullness of God's powerful love at work in us and in those around us.   That's when I am most thankful for the everlasting blessing of God's love that comes to us through Jesus Christ. 

How about it?  What not so obvious blessings do we need to thank God for today?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank You for blessing me again and again with Your goodness and mercy.  I thank You for Your enduring love in my life.

Forgive me for struggling to be thankful in all circumstances.  Forgive me for being distracted by day to day annoyances that are so insignificant to You.  Help me reflect on all that is important to You.  Help me stay focused on Your power and presence and love every single day.

I give my day to you, Lord.  And I pray that You will also wrap ____________ in Your arms this day.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

In Christ's love,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.