Welcome back! Grab your bible and open to Nehemiah chapter nine.
Have you had this conversation before?
Child: “I love you.”
Parent: “I love you more.”
Child: “No, I love you more!”
Parent: “Impossible, I love you more!”
Sometimes these conversations occur after I have corrected my child’s behavior.
In chapter nine, we find the people are freshly aware of God’s laws. After they apologize to God, they turn their hearts to praising him. What follows is similar to reading a Father’s Day card listing the qualities of a great dad.
If you read Nehemiah 9:6, we find praise to God for his creation. The world, everything on it, and outside of it.
“And you preserve all of them.” (Neh 9:6b, ESV)
He is keeping everything going. To preserve is an action word. As another version reinforces, “You give life to everything.” (Neh 9:6b, NIV)
He is why the tide of the oceans ebb and flow.
The kiss of the morning sun upon your back is from God.
The beauty of nature reveals his creativity.
God’s creation sings out to him. We can too.
Lord,
We can feel far from you at times like these. Looking at your creation brings you closer into view. Thank you for the reminder of the scope of what you created and preserve. In your creation we have the abiding assurance you love us deeply. And yes, you do love us more.
What are you praising God for preserving? Let me know in the comments below.
Hope to see you back here tomorrow for another reason in this ‘Father’s Day’ card to praise God.
“Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
Nehemiah 9 makes one want to start a gratitude journal or prayerfully thank God for all He has done. Thanks for the push, Michele.
Hi Dianne, thanks for stopping by! I am so grateful you are enjoying Nehemiah 9 too.
Hi Michelle, what perfect timing as I was wanting to start a new devotional. I am so thankful for you! I’m looking forward to resting in God’s Word with you.
Kelli, I am so grateful you stopped by. God’s timing is perfect, isn’t it? I miss you but look forward to leaning into His word with you.