From my worship journal, written December 2011 when Nat and Abby were visiting us in Germany with their first son, little Benaya
Praise you, Lord, that you are the One in charge, that you know what is best and that you allow things into our lives that we would never choose ourselves–events that will prove to be of great use to us and to you in the long run.
Benaya was awake quite a bit in the night, crying before 5 am so I got up, took him into the living room and shortly he fell asleep as we sat in the easy chair, both of us waking up about 7:30. He felt much better and so did I!
This gives me a late start in the day, which I don’t like–but it is your day, Lord, and I praise you for it. It is so good to be flexible and let go of things easily and quickly, moving on with you in what needs to be done.
Thank you, Lord God, that you are Sovereign, in control, moving things ahead, working with our errors and even our sins and the rebellion of mankind to bring about your over all plans. Praise you that no detail escapes your attention, that you arrange the smallest aspects to give all people the opportunity to hear and believe. Praise you that you love all, have provided the possibility of salvation to all, and work with all to bring understanding. As Jesus said, the Holy Spirit “will reprove the world [everyone] of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment…” (John 16:8).
I praise you that you call us to partnership with you in this, giving us truth and wisdom, desire and guidance so we can be carriers of the gospel, purveyors of truth, giving light to all those around us. Praise be to you for your graciousness in including us in such a great and wonderful work.
You, Lord God, the Triune One, are worthy of worship and glory, honor and praise all the time. Praise you for your Word that gives revelation and insight, light and direction. I am so thankful for how, over the years, you have gotten me into your Word in mediating, in reading, in studying and, as a result, have brought continual growth .
You, O God, are the great and good One, before whom I now want to bow and worship, whom I want to fear and obey, whom I want to honor and exalt before all I meet today. Help me in this, Lord. Truly, it is a joy to belong to you, it is a delight to delight in you!
