God came through for the Israelites in big ways–the Red Sea, manna, quails, water–all part of His gracious provision for them. Still, they responded with grumbling and rebellion. We marvel at how quickly they forgot–but we are just like them. We, too, forget God’s provision, or take credit for it ourselves, forgetting the purity of God’s character and the riches of the grace He has lavished on us. Oh, may we also be a grateful people who can rest in God’s provision!
Lord, you have commanded us to bring our requests to you. In your word, you have assured me that you will provide and I have seen you do it. However, you did not stop in simply commanding us to ask of you, you have also commanded that we be thankful. I pray that you would humble my spirit and remind me that I do nothing under my own power, but by yours. With this understanding, I pray that I would never fail to give thanks to you for your great gifts. I ask that you would give me a heart for prayer, that I would be in constant reliance on you, and that I would be consciously thankful when you come through. I thank you today for your gracious provision, for the mercy you extended to me, and for your promises that I can believe in. I praise you for sustaining me with new mercies every day. I praise you for sending your Son to take your wrath in my place. All glory in heaven and earth be to you, my Savior and matchless king. Amen.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2)
