Thankful, Day Forty-Six

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

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with thanksgiving.

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

It's been my observation that if kids are whiny and complaining, begging for something or throwing a tantrum to get it, I am less inclined to give in to their requests. Of course, those are other people's children, but still. I think if I had kids of my own, if they came to me with a smile and a hug and some sweet words like "Daddy, you're the greatest Dad ever!" my heart might be softened to give them whatever they want. If it's good for them.

Do you think God is the same way?

The Bible tells us to make our requests known to him, but it says to do so with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. The Bible also tells us to rejoice ALWAYS, pray without ceasing, and in EVERYTHING give thanks. Sometimes we only rejoice or praise or give thanks if things go our way. But the Bible tells us that we should be content in whatever state we are, and give thanks for it. Whether we like it or not. And starting from the premise that God is a good God, and He gives good gifts to His children, we might want to realize that whatever He does He does for our benefit and blessing, and not for our destruction.

So if you want something from God, or need something from God, start with thanksgiving. Start with some praise, like Daddy, you're the best daddy ever! Start with some rejoicing over what God has done, an even over what He hasn't done. And see how much farther that gets you. Even if you don't always get what you want, you'll feel a whole lot better about it!

Father, thank You for Your Word this morning. It is truly everlasting, living and powerful, and honed with precision to do Your work. It is life indeed, sweeter than honey, more valuable than gold, and the power of God unto salvation to the that believe! Thank You for not leaving us to our own devices, but instead you gave us Your Words of live to guide and direct our lives.

Father, thank You for Your great and precious promises. I may not have received everything I desire, nor even everything that I believe you have promised me. But I know that You who promised are faithful, and You will perform everything that You have said. You will complete everything You have begun.

Father, thank You for Your answers to my prayers. You're into details, and I can't get over how detailed this is getting. I've waited a long time, I'm willing to wait longer still, but I'm thankful that You were moving even when I couldn't see it, and working when I couldn't feel it. I'm thankful that You have finally given me a glimpse of what You're doing, and I am content.

I'm rejoicing over here! I'm thankful! And I'm gonna keep on praying and believing...because I shall receive all that God has for me.