When you sit down to a meal, do you pause first to say grace, to bless the Lord for providing the food and blessing the food to your body? It is a good habit that comes naturally for many people. But did you know that in Israel many religious people will pause to bless the Lord after their meal is finished. Why after? There is a scripture in Deuteronomy 8:10-14, 17-18,
“When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks…and your silver and your gold…and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up…then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
The Lord God is the source of all our blessings. We may work hard to build a house or grow a garden or make fine furniture or clothes for our families, but we should never forget that all those things come to us as blessings from God. He is the ultimate source of all the good things we enjoy, even the food we set on our tables. There is no right or wrong time to say grace, to bless the Lord for ALL of His provisions. Every moment, day or night, before we eat or after, is a great time to bless the Lord for all He has given you and done for you because He loves you. Hey, why not say a blessing both before and after your meal? It would not be inappropriate.
I pray that your day will be filled with all the good things that you could not provide for yourself without the grace and blessings of God. I pray that you will not forget to thank the Lord your God who faithfully provides even the smallest things that we so often take for granted. I pray that you…
“May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height–to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19)
Enjoy the richest gifts from your Father today! He loves you so much and delights in giving you His very best.