Strength for Today Devotional

 "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Psalm 68:19

Everyone is concerned about "benefits" in this modern age. Retirement benefits, health benefits, Social Security benefits, etc. But so few of God's children really appreciate the benefits He bestows daily. While it is so that the Lord gives rain to the evil as well as the good, it is those who love Him who receive daily spiritual benefits as well as a sharpened sense of appreciation for the physical and material blessings that come our way.

Various translations of the above verse touch on the fact that God daily bears our burdens. Isn't that the greatest "benefit" of all - His involvement moment by moment in our every step and breath? A poem I wrote called "Things I Take for Granted" is worth a pause:

    "Thank you, God, for being You, so faithful every day.

    Thank you, dear Lord Jesus, for a new and living way.

    Thank you, Holy Spirit; You're my Comforter and Guide.

    Thanks for always being there, within and at my side.

    Thank you for the Bible, and a country that is free.

    Thank you, Lord, for men of God, who speak your Word to me.

    Thank you for the liberty, to share You everywhere.

    Thanks for fellow Christians, each so priceless and so rare.

    Thank you, Lord, for health, which is worth so much more than gold.

    Thank you for a home that gives protection from the cold.

    Thank you, Lord, for sun and air, and moon and stars and sky.

    Thanks for lips to praise You with, until the day I die.

    Thanks for opening my eyes, and helping me to see;

    Things I take for granted, are Your gifts of love to me."

My Prayer:

“Give me a grateful heart, Oh Lord, rather than a 'gimme' heart. Cause me to acknowledge and appreciate Your daily blessing of salvation and Your daily benefits of supply."