ENCOURAGED

Today's reading: Ezra 6-10

"...I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me..." Ezra 7:28 NLT

As I sit here in my prayer chair sporting my 'Simply Blessed' tshirt, sipping from my autumn mug, smack dab in the middle of Thanks-vember preparing to make a grocery list for the upcoming meal of gratitude--I think about this verse.

Thankful.

Grateful.

Blessed.

Encouraged!

What better, more fitting word, might there be than 'encouraged'.

In a world that attempts to beat us up and tear us down...

In a day and time when standing out marks you as heretic...

In a place where it seems God is pushed to the side...

We should all be encouraged that the gracious hand of the Lord our God is upon us!

Protecting us. Guiding us. Helping us. Correcting us. Comforting us. Being present with us.