When I sit to write a note of thanks to someone, I often take time to reflect on the person I am writing to as well as what they did, said, or gave, and how it impacted me. It helps me gather my thoughts and engage the feelings of love and care I felt from that person. It also helps rekindle my feelings of gratitude and appreciation. This time of reflection sets my mind and heart right before putting pen to paper (or fingers to typing or thumbs to texting). 

And isn’t it the same with God? When I talk or journal with the Lord, my affections toward Him are rekindled after spending time reflecting on who He is and what He has done, said, and given. And as my heart is stirred toward these truths about God, my faith finds new strength, leading to confidence in His power and will instead of my own. Without this time of reflection, I can feel harried and anxious, or more times than not, indifferent to the day-to-day tasks or the big future dreams ahead of me. Drawing my attention to God’s character and faithfulness sets my mind and heart right as I live to follow Jesus. It leads me to praising Him and giving glory due Him. 

Thinking on Matthew 6 and Luke 11, adoration is the first thing Jesus instructs us to do when we pray. It shifts our focus from ourselves to the One “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). It reminds us how small we are and how big God is. So then with praise on our lips and bolstered faith in our soul, we can lay our requests at His throne and confidently say, “Your will be done.” 

What character trait of God brings praise from you today? I dare you to reflect on one thing, like His eternality or omnipotence, and see where your affections follow. Or think on something God said, did, or gave, and allow it to overwhelm you to the point of praising Him.