Cycle of Praise

Today's devotion comes from my book 52 Days of Grace, available now on Amazon!

“Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.”  (Romans 1:19-23)

Every human ever created knows of God.  Signs of His qualities and attributes are found throughout creation, yet many of us live a lifetime without ever acknowledging God’s hand in our lives.  You’ve heard it before: The relieved mother whose kidnapped child was found safe and sound yet responds, “We are so lucky to be together again,” the rescued hiker who thanks the men who found and saved her, but fails to recognize God’s sovereign role in her recovery, or the burn victim who miraculously escapes from a burning building yet is blind to the miracle God performed in opening a clear path out.   “I am so lucky to be alive.”

Paul says that God’s “eternal power and divine nature” is clearly seen from creation, so we are without excuse. 

It may be easy for us to acknowledge God in the above circumstances, but what about in the little areas?  Thanking God when we find a parking spot, when there’s food in our ‘frig or a warm bed in which to sleep takes effort.  These are things we take for granted, yet God wants us to thank Him and glorify Him as Lord of all, even of the little things.  This God-focus leads to wisdom, which allows us to see more of His hand in our lives. 

Thanking and glorifying God is the
beginning of a cycle of praise.

How often do you recognize the hand of God in your everyday life?

Do you ever take the little things for granted?  Why not take the opportunity right now to thank God for all the little blessings in your life?

Heavenly Father,

I confess that I do not always acknowledge the work of Your hand in my life.  I want to thank You for all that You have created, and all the details to which You pay attention, allowing my life to continue.  I want to see more of Your hand in my life so I can spend my time praising You!

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen

If you liked today's excerpt and would like to read more, order  your own copy today!  52 Days of Grace is available in paperback and Kindle versions and is useful for individual or group study.  It's a great way to incorporate God's Word into your day.