Thankful, Day Twelve

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing.

Know that the Lord, He is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people, and the Sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

Psalm 100, NKJV

Come before His presence with singing, it says. Enter into His gates and courts. You know, all of those take effort on our part. People are sitting around all the time saying, "God come to me," and God is calling back, "YOU come to ME!" Where did we get the idea that God was the one who had to do our bidding?

And when we come to God, do we come with our wish list and our complaints, our critique of His last act on our behalf? Or do we come with singing, with thanks and praise? Keeping in mind that the Bible tells us to make our petitions known to God, it also says to do so with prayer, supplication and thanksgiving! And bookending pray without ceasing are the key phrases rejoice always and in everything give thanks. Even when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray--and his model included a place for asking--He started and ended with thanksgiving and praise.

Every parent knows that when their little jewel climbs up in the lap, puts their little arms around the neck and coos sweetly into the ears, "Daddy, I love you so much!" it's usually because they want something. And even though we know what they're doing, aren't we much more inclined to give it in the wake of a little loving than in the aftermath of a fit? The Bible shows that God (who is far superior to an earthly father) has an inclination to honor those who honor Him.

God, I may be in need of provision today, but I'm thankful that whenever I am in need, you are always my source and my supply. You've never let me down, never seen me forsaken or begging for bread. You have provided me often with more than I need, and certainly much more than I deserve.

God, I may be in need of companionship today, but I'm thankful that I have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, who never leaves me nor forsakes me, who has promised to be with me always! Even when I'm lonely in the flesh, I am never alone in the Spirit, because you are with me, your rod and staff comfort me, and I will fear no evil.

God, I may be in need of help today, but I'm thankful that when I call, you always answer. You may not do things the way I wanted, wished or prayed for, but you do always hear and answer prayer. Your Word says whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, and will not be put to shame. You are my help in present time of need.

I'm thankful today that He provides all I have need of!