Do you recognize the thousand gifts in each day?
A sunrise. A breeze.
The riotous praise chorus of nature.
Strength to go about the day, health.
Jobs that provide income.
Income that pays bills.
Think of the myriad of colors, sounds and feels of nature we experience every day. Gifts, all of it.
Relationships.
A home.
The people that fill that home and our lives.
So many daily gifts. Innumerable. Thousand is a small number to put on that.
King David states:
How precious are your thoughts about me O God. They cannot be numbered! I am unable to count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
Psalm 139:17-18
And when I wake up, you are still with me!
This Father pursues us. His blessings literally chase us down and overwhelm us.
…Blessings will come on you and overtake you, if you listen to the voice of the Lord God and obey his commands.
Deuteronomy 28:2
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’
Jeremiah 29:11
This is written in a time of great fear and uncertainty during the siege of Jerusalem. Jeremiah told the people to willingly accept capture by the great Babylonian army and make a new home in Babylon for 70 years.
“I have plans to give you a future and a hope.
When you pray, I will listen.
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me!
I will be found by you, says the LORD!
I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.
I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jer. 29:11-14
In what way do I need to recognize the gifts of today?
This change in perspective has the potential to completely revolutionize your day and your life. God is always good. All the time.
The words from Michael W. Smith in the song Sovereign Over Us state it beautifully:
There is strength within the sorrow
There is beauty in our tears
And you meet us in our mourning
With a love that cast out fear
You are working in our waiting
You’re sanctifying us
When beyond our understanding
You’re teaching us to trust
Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
You’re faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us
You are wisdom unimagined
Who could understand your ways
Reigning high above the heavens
Reaching down in endless grace
You’re the lifter of the lowly
Compassionate and kind
You surround and you uphold me
And your promises are my delight
Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good
You turn it for our good and for your glory
Even in the valley, you are faithful
You’re working for our good
You’re working for our good and for your glory
Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
Oh, you’re faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us