Day 19: Give Thanks
If you read the Old Testament, you'll notice a repeated theme over and over again. God is constantly reminding the nation of Israel that he was the one that brought them out of Egypt. It may seem strange or even pretentious of God at first to keep replaying the same message, but I think it represents an important idea.
Present situations can cloud our memory. When you're in the heat of the moment important details get quickly overlooked. Maybe you've been in an argument with your spouse and at the time couldn't remember why you got married in the first place. Your current situation clouded your judgment. There might be some things said, in the heat of that moment, that you'll regret later in the day. Often times, our immediate issues cloud out any sense of history. We forget too easily.
The Hebrews were no exception to this rule. They had to constantly be reminded of what God had done for them. We need to be reminded too. God has done a great work for us by taking away our sins. It would be very easy to look at any of our situations and forget what God has done for us. This is why we need to give thanks to God, especially during the hard times. I love how Paul puts it.
"And hope does not disappoint us..." This is probably my favorite piece of scripture. That promise is so visceral, so tangible. We all have hopes, and often times they end up crushing us with disappointment. But there is one hope that will never disappoint. Just don't forget that hope. Don't let the worries of today cloud the promises of tomorrow, and never forget what God has already done for you.
Prayer Focus: Give thanks to God for what he has done for you today.
Leviticus 25:38
38 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.
If you read the Old Testament, you'll notice a repeated theme over and over again. God is constantly reminding the nation of Israel that he was the one that brought them out of Egypt. It may seem strange or even pretentious of God at first to keep replaying the same message, but I think it represents an important idea.
Present situations can cloud our memory. When you're in the heat of the moment important details get quickly overlooked. Maybe you've been in an argument with your spouse and at the time couldn't remember why you got married in the first place. Your current situation clouded your judgment. There might be some things said, in the heat of that moment, that you'll regret later in the day. Often times, our immediate issues cloud out any sense of history. We forget too easily.
The Hebrews were no exception to this rule. They had to constantly be reminded of what God had done for them. We need to be reminded too. God has done a great work for us by taking away our sins. It would be very easy to look at any of our situations and forget what God has done for us. This is why we need to give thanks to God, especially during the hard times. I love how Paul puts it.
Romans 5:2B-5
2B)And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3)Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4)perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5)And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
"And hope does not disappoint us..." This is probably my favorite piece of scripture. That promise is so visceral, so tangible. We all have hopes, and often times they end up crushing us with disappointment. But there is one hope that will never disappoint. Just don't forget that hope. Don't let the worries of today cloud the promises of tomorrow, and never forget what God has already done for you.
Prayer Focus: Give thanks to God for what he has done for you today.
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