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The tendency is to notice what’s visible. Sort of obvious. But sometimes I think our prayers of gratitude begin there as well. What parent isn’t touched when they hear their children say thank-you? It might be for the gift you gave them or the meal you prepared. Maybe it’s for giving them a special trip or privilege. Gratitude changes the dynamics of every moment.

It’s good to be grateful for all of the obvious things. Just as we are touched by the gratitude we might hear from children to parents, God is likewise moved by our gratitude for the many daily and reoccurring gifts he gives. The air we breathe, eyes to see, trees of all shapes and colors, the new sunrise and the sunset at the end of each day—all these create moments of gratitude. But I think sometimes we may forget a less visible and more significant gift.

Architects are often praised for their amazing designs. They win awards and receive accolades for their creative abilities. But what about the less obvious yet critical aspects of a beautiful house or building? Does anyone ever thank the engineer or the contractor who built the foundation? Once the house is built, no one notices the foundation, but without a good foundation, the beautiful building crumbles. And the same is true for a life.

The temple’s foundation

All through Jeremiah we read of the demise of the city of Jerusalem, including the temple. There were so many warnings and opportunities for God’s children to repent, but stubbornness and idolatry persisted. And just as the prophet declared, the Jewish people were exiled in Babylon.

Cyrus, the leader of the Persian empire, conquered Babylon and began to permit the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Resources were provided, and builders began to lay the foundation for the temple to be rebuilt.

As the foundation was being laid, the priests put on their vestments and brought the singers, the trumpeters, and the choir along with them. Their songs and words of gratitude rose up to God.

Those who were older and remembered the temple and its destruction wept both in grief and in joy that a new foundation was being built for the temple. This was not the finished temple that stirred their gratitude and brought songs of praise. This was simply the foundation being established. But without a foundation, there would be no temple.

The believer’s foundation

Jesus indicated that without a solid foundation the houses we build will crumble. The apostle Paul picks up this theme several times in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul indicated there is no better foundation for our lives than Jesus. And then he tells us we are the temple where God’s Spirit lives. In the Old Testament God was with his people in the tabernacle and later the temple. But now he lives in us with Jesus as our sure foundation.

Hopefully, as we grow in our faith, our prayers of thanksgiving get longer, even becoming our lifestyle. Thankful hearts are peaceful and generous. So go ahead and daily thank God for all the little and big things you see and enjoy. But don’t forget to thank him for the sure foundation given to us in Jesus our crucified and risen Lord.

Lord, we are thankful for the beauty of creation. We are grateful for the air we breathe and for the length of our days. We are grateful for the relationships you have given us throughout our lives. We are thankful for our daily bread and the clothes on our backs. But most of all, we are thankful that in your great love and mercy you sent your Son to save us and to establish a firm and eternal foundation for our lives. Thank you for choosing to make your home in us. May your love and presence be seen in us and flow through us to others today and always.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.