The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions for Discovering the Strength of Gratitude (31 page)

One of the many things we can be thankful for in our relationship with God is that He wants to be our friend (see John 15:15). But as you grow in your friendship with God, never forget that your relationship is based on who He is and not on what He can do for you. Keep seeking His presence, not His presents.

One of the hindrances to a vibrant, mature friendship with God is focusing on the benefits of friendship with God instead of focusing on
Him
as our friend. As human beings, we do not appreciate finding out that certain people want to be our friends just because we can get them something they want; we feel valued when we know people want to be friends with us simply because of who we are and because they actually like us—the same principle applies with God.

I thank You, God, that You love me and want to be in a relationship with me. Today, I seek You for who You are, not for what You can do for me. It is my heart’s desire to know You more and more each day I follow You.

Some people have been taught that suffering and lack are virtues in the Christian life. Being able to maintain a good attitude during times of suffering is a virtue that is very important, but continually suffering is not God’s will for anybody. We must never see God as a stingy God who would withhold something we need. Consider these verses:

God is a good Father who loves to bless His children. God wants to bless you and see you enjoy your life! You can simply be thankful, receive it, and aggressively believe for God’s best today.

Father, I thank You that You are good, You love me and want to bless me. Thank You that I don’t have to be afraid because You will feed, guide, and shield me.

God is looking for men and women who will pray bold prayers. One of the prayers I hear people pray often is what I call a “just” prayer. A “just” prayer sounds something like this: “Now, Lord, we
just
ask You to protect us,” or “Oh, God, if You would
just
help us in this situation.” These prayers make it sound as if we are afraid to ask God for very much.

When used this way, the word “just” means
barely enough to get by
or
by a narrow margin
. God wants to give us exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all that we can dare to hope, ask, or think (see Ephesians 3:20)—that’s something to be grateful for! God wants to hear bold, confident, faith-filled prayers prayed by truly thankful people who are secure in their relationship with Him. Don’t be fearful of asking God for too much because He loves you and wants to do more for you than you can imagine.

Father, I am so thankful that You allow me to pray bold, confident prayers. I know You are not a God of
just enough
—You are a God of
more than enough.
I take the limits off of You today, and I trust You to do something big in my life.

Many times people draw away from God because of their sins and failures. Do you ever hear or study God’s Word and end up feeling condemned? God’s Word is meant to convict us of sin and convince us to do things God’s way, but it is never intended to make us feel guilty or bad about ourselves.

When God reveals sin in your life, let it draw you to Him for help and forgiveness, never let it drive you away from Him. Remember, Jesus didn’t die for perfect people who never make mistakes, but He died for sinners. He paid for our sins so we might receive His forgiveness and mercy and then actually learn from our mistakes.

We can be grateful and thankful that the Lord didn’t push us away because of our faults. Instead, He draws us to Him and begins to change us into what He wants us to be. All we have to do is be willing to be changed. Just ask Him and trust Him to do it. He is faithful. He will finish the work He has started in your life.

I thank You today, Father, that You draw me to Yourself despite my sins and my failures. Help me not to draw away from You when I make mistakes. Instead, help me choose to come to You in faith, believing that You love me and want to help me.

Confusion is not from God. When we are confused, it is because we are trying too hard to reason things out in our own minds instead of trusting Him. He offers us peace, not confusion. When you feel confused, you should realize that something about your approach to life is wrong. Perhaps you have moved out of grace and into your own works. That simply means you may be trying to solve your own problems instead of relying on God. But thankfully, you can give up your efforts and entrust yourself totally to the Lord, leaving your situation entirely in His hands.

Once you turn from your own efforts and reasoning to the grace of God, you open a channel of faith through which He can begin to reveal to you what you need to know in order to handle that problem or situation. Enter God’s rest, and then you will find the guidance you need.

I am grateful, Father, that You give me peace instead of confusion. I will live in Your grace each day, knowing that You can handle whatever situation or circumstance I may face. Thank You for Your peace—I receive it today.