“Receive every moment of every day as a gift from God, and offer it back to him through daily acts of surrender and obedience.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 5, 2022
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV
One of the hardest parts of the Christian life is to live every moment of every day oriented to God in a posture of worship and prayer. It is remarkably easy to compartmentalize our faith, thinking of God on a Sunday morning or in a passing moment of devotion, yet far more difficult to live with an awareness of truth that it is “in him that we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Similarly, if and when we do think of God, our orientation is often entirely wrong, thinking first and foremost of how we need his blessings to come down, rather than the daily invitation for us to send our praises up.
Though the imagery is quite common, what does it mean to actually offer up our praises in the everyday moments of our daily lives? I believe clarity on this question is central to the life of wisdom and a sustainable life with Christ. In truth, you and I are meant to offer nothing less than our entire lives!
Some of life’s moments are easier to offer up than others. We are quick to thank God for unexpected financial provision, the gift of good health, or deep and lasting friendships. However, do we maintain the same posture in times of financial instability, prolonged illness, and relational turmoil? If we’re honest, in these latter moments praise and worship are often the last things on our hearts or minds!
While it is good and right to pray for deliverance from our ailments, it is also possible to offer our pain to God as a gift. Have you ever thought of your suffering in this way? In a similar way, when you choose to not indulge in a desire that you know to be sinful and against the commands of God, can you see this profoundly difficult act of faithfulness as an offering of praise to the Lord? It is the acknowledgement that, though we may desire to see our circumstances change, we believe these momentary troubles will fade in the light of the mercy and love of God, shown most perfectly in the compassionate care of Jesus Christ. And so, we receive every moment of every day as a gift from God, and offer it back to him through daily acts of surrender and obedience, born not out of duty, but love.
Prayer
Father, we choose today to offer the whole of our lives back to you as a gift, believing that you are good and love us more than we love ourselves. Amen.
Application
While appreciating the blessings and provision of God that comes down, how can you also cultivate today a renewed vision of offering up your life to him as a gift of praise?
Related Reading
1 Chronicles 29:9; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 13:15-16
Worship Resource
Caedmon’s Call: We Delight
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