“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17
Heavenly Father, thank you for caring about our hope and our enjoyment—the two certainly have much in common. We crave hope and we seek enjoyment. May we steward both of these intense longings well. You have hardwired us for delight but until our “wires” are glorified, we can hope in the wrong things and turn grateful, humble enjoyment into self-centered pleasure seeking.
Like the instruments in an orchestra, may each of our senses be tuned to the key of grace today. May simple and profound pleasures turn our hearts heavenward—praising you as the God from whom all blessings flow to us that they might flow through us to others. Heighten our awareness and deepen our generosity. So as this Tuesday begins and continues, I am grateful and want to be 17 times more so.
Thank you for the aroma of good coffee and the tastebud-joys of leftover chocolate cheesecake for breakfast. Thank you for new mercies this morning and non-stop grace. Thank you for the feel of cotton against my skin and for feet that still like to go on my morning walks. Thank you for already installing Jesus as the ruler of the kings of the earth and for hiding my life in his and making his righteousness mine.
Abba, thank you for choosing trout as one of your favorite mediums for showcasing your hand-painting skills and for the sonic delight I experience in such a wide range of music. Thank you for growing Jesus’ church and expanding your Kingdom throughout the world much more than we realize (Col.1:3-6).
Thank you for our cars, air-conditioning, and for friends who love the Gospel more than any “need” to be awesome, first, or always right. Thank you for your patience and kindness, Abba, and for the colors green and blue. I could go on and on… and I will. So Very Amen.
