Yesterday was my mom and dad’s 48th wedding anniversary. When I spoke to them on the phone Wednesday morning, they were in celebration mode. I thanked them both for their beautiful example of a strong, loving marriage, and I told them how much I love and miss them. I also wished dad, who served in the military in 1959, a Happy Veterans Day.

“I wish I could hug you both,” I said. That isn’t possible, however, because they live in Georgia, hundreds of miles away from my hometown in Upstate New York. But, despite longing to be closer, I can’t complain. God has been gracious to my parents, and I am grateful that they are alive and well.

My dad, Joseph, is 85 years old, and he told me that he and my mom, Annie, would be celebrating at home last evening for safety reasons. Though they usually go out somewhere nice to eat in honor of their anniversary, COVID-19 has changed the way they celebrate special occasions. Still, they were all smiles and laughter. They were focused on what God has given them rather than what has been stripped away from them. We would all do well to keep this attitude of gratefulness, and count our blessings, not our losses.

In Ezra 3, some of the Jews had a hard time putting this lesson into practice. After being freed from Babylonian captivity and returning to Jerusalem to rebuild, something interesting happened after the foundations of the new temple were laid. Many rejoiced, celebrated and praised God that the work had begun. They were excited about what was to come. But, according to verse 12, “many of the older priests, Levites, and leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation.”

The ones who had been around to see the glory of the former temple had trouble being happy about their new beginning. That’s because they were counting their losses instead of their blessings which is a mistake we all have made at some point. Verse 14 says, “The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.” Shouts of joy were mixed with cries of sorrow. Everyone saw the same thing happening, but everyone didn’t perceive it or respond to it the same way.

 Friend, in life, we all experience losses, setbacks, inconveniences and struggles. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. Just as some of the Jews chose to praise, while others chose to mourn, we also have a choice. It’s so important that we choose to rejoice. Choose to focus on the goodness of Jesus. Choose not to complain over what you’ve lost, but be thankful for what you’ve got left.

God has been good. His mercy is new every day. You may not have everything you want, but God keeps on supplying your needs. Every day isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but the Lord gives you joy in the midst of sorrow. He gives you peace in confusion. He comforts you in affliction. He lifts you when you’re down. He carries your heavy load and assures you, just as He is doing now, that He is faithful to keep His promises.

So the next time you feel tempted to sulk, command your soul to praise the Lord like David did in Psalm 103:1-2, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration. He said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, meditate on God’s goodness. Think about all He has done for you and how great He is. Praise Him for how Jesus Christ has already secured victory and eternal life for you on the cross. And command your soul to bless His holy name, for He is always good and always worthy of praise. He is also a restorer, and I believe He is laying the foundations for a new season of blessing and favor in your life. Before you see the full picture, glorify Him in advance!

Now, let’s pray.

God, there are seasons of life when I feel discouraged and frustrated by the obstacles and struggles I face. Yet, in the midst of it all, I will still praise You, because You have been better to me than I could ever be to myself. You are good, and at all times, You are worthy. So I will lift You up and wait in faith for the release of my breakthrough and for my exciting season of new beginnings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!