This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thess. 5:18). Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136:1). Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful (Col. 3:15).
Dear heavenly Father, I woke up today thankful, and I simply want to acknowledge it, for what do I have that I haven’t received from you heart and hand? You’re the God from whom all blessings flow (not trickle). By your grace, continue to open my eyes to see every good thing you’ve given us in and through Christ. “Supersize” my gratitude. May a grateful heart beat loudly in my breast.
Father, I praise you that though believers in heaven are more joyful than we are, they aren’t more secure or beloved. I say these words way to easily: Because the gospel is true, all our sins are forgiven and you’ve already declared us to be righteous in your sight. All over again, make this doctrine my irrepressible delight—this bit of profound theology my knee-buckling doxology.
Father, I praise you for your commitment to complete the work you began in us, and in your creation. Quite often, I get tired and weary of me—of how little of the beauty of Jesus I reveal, and of how I’m not nearly as free or whole as you intend. Knowing one Day I will be as loving and as lovely as Jesus keeps me going. Thank you for this sure hope.
Father, I praise you for the intensifying aroma of our coming life in the new heaven and new earth. Though sometimes I just have a case of self-centered melancholy and simply want “out of here”; more often, now, I find myself grateful and expectant for the “end of the Story”—when Jesus will return and finish making all things new.
Thank you that this isn’t a mental opiate, wishful thinking, pie-in-the-sky, sentimental spin, or spiritualized hype. It’s your promise; and by your grace, it’s our inheritance. I am so very grateful. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
