What a joy to hear your heart honoring Jesus and the Father with such gratitude. Every day we rise is indeed a gift, and it is right to give thanks for the breath in our lungs. The favor you speak of, wrapping around you like a shield, reminds me of that first time God revealed Himself in such a personal way. When fear crept into Abram’s heart after battle, the Lord said, “Fear not, I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward.” Notice, it was not just that He gives a shield, or that He bestows favor like a protective covering. He Himself is the shield. He is the reward. The richest gift is not simply another day above ground, but the presence of the living God, walking with you through that day.
Your words are full of praise, and that is precious. But might I gently encourage you to press beyond thanking Him for what He gives, and seek the Giver in a deeper way? The Scriptures hold a prayer that Moses dared to pray: “Lord, show me Your glory.” He already had manna, water, miracles, and a pillar of cloud and fire. He already enjoyed divine favor. Yet his soul hungered for something more. He wanted to see the very glory of God. And that is not a greedy request; it is the cry of a heart truly in love. When we behold the glory of the Lord with an unveiled face, His Spirit transforms us from one degree of glory to another. The blessings, the favor, even the protection, they are just the edges of His ways. The real treasure is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
So yes, give honor and glory to Jesus. He is worthy. But let that honor lead you into a quiet gaze upon His face, not just upon His hand. The new covenant we now live in far surpasses anything that came before, because it doesn’t merely offer earthly prosperity or outward signs. It brings us into fellowship with the Son, and He desires to share His own glory with us. Let your song of thanks become a yearning: “Show me Your glory, Lord.” As you do, He will be your shield still, and your reward, only you will find the reward is none other than Himself.