The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions for Discovering the Strength of Gratitude (19 page)

Thankfully, there is no storm in life that is greater than the power and purposes of God. When you refuse to allow your difficulties to
impress
you, then they will not
oppress
you or
depress
you either. If you put your focus on the Lord, you will hold steady in the storm and arrive safely at your God-appointed destination.

Any time we try to step out and do something for God, the enemy will oppose it. Paul certainly experienced this. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:9: “For a wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me… and [there are] many adversaries.”

Paul experienced opposition, and you will too. I encourage you to make up your mind that you’re going to do what God is telling you to do. Don’t be double-minded, second-guessing your decision. Determine to push through and refuse to turn back. Trust the Lord, be thankful for His strength, and press on no matter what.

Thank You, Father, that there is nothing too difficult for You. Help me to lean on You when there is a storm raging around me. I put my focus on You today, and I refuse to be impressed by my problem. I choose to be in awe of You instead.

When Jesus invited people to become His disciples and follow Him, He asked them if they wanted to join His party. I realize He was talking about His group, but I like to think that traveling with Jesus was probably a lot of fun as well as a lot of hard work.

Repeatedly throughout the gospels, we see Jesus invite people to leave their lifestyles and side with His party, and He is still issuing that invitation today. Yes, there is work to do for the kingdom of God, but thankfully we can have fun while we do it.

When we follow Jesus, we are not going to a solemn assembly or a funeral. We are joining His party that is full of life, peace, and never-ending joy!

Father, help me to lay aside the burdens and cares of this world and receive Your joy today. I thank You that You want me to have fun and enjoy the life You have given me. With Your help, I will celebrate Your goodness in my life today and every day.

Satan remembers every tiny thing we have ever done wrong and will do his best to remind us of those things every chance he gets. He is vigilant in his efforts to make us cower under the weight of our own shame. We all sin and come short of the glory of God. No person is without sin, and we all feel guilt at times, but when we keep that guilt long after we have been forgiven, it turns into shame.

Guilt and shame make us feel that God is angry, and so we withdraw from His presence and don’t live the life God intended for us. We need to understand and be thankful that God forgives completely—not partially, or almost, but completely! The goodness of God is greater than any bad thing we have ever or could ever do. That should bring a feeling of thanksgiving and a sensation of joy sweeping through our souls!

Father, I am so thankful that You completely forgive me of my sins when I ask. Regardless of what I have done, forgiveness has been made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus. Thank You that I am righteous in Your sight.

A person without confidence is like an airplane sitting on a runway with empty fuel tanks. The plane has the ability to fly, but without some fuel, it’s not getting off the tarmac. Confidence is our fuel—and this is why the confidence we find in Christ is something to be grateful for.

Our confidence gets us started and helps us finish every challenge we tackle in life. Without confidence, we will live in fear and never feel fulfilled. Confidence allows us to face life with boldness, openness, and honesty. It enables us to live without worry and to feel safe. It enables us to live authentically.

When we know who we are in God, we don’t have to pretend to be somebody we’re not because we are secure in who we are—even if we’re different from those around us. Confidence allows us to live peaceful, joy-filled lives.

Father, I am thankful for the confidence I have in You. Thank You that I don’t have to live an insecure, fearful, worried life. I can soar in my destiny because You give me the strength that I need.

We can be thankful that God wants us to rejoice. In fact, the Bible discusses rejoicing at least 170 times. And if we study the Word, we find that rejoicing is the act of outwardly expressing an emotion.

We may clap our hands when our children show progress, we might shout when our goal is met, or we may laugh when we think about or talk of the goodness of God. We can also rejoice when we make progress in spiritual growth.

The Bible says that the path of the righteous grows brighter and brighter every day (see Proverbs 4:18). If you can look back and say, “I’ve improved over the last year. My behavior is a little bit better. I’m a little more patient. I’m more giving. I’m a tiny bit less selfish,” then you can celebrate. Every improvement deserves some time for rejoicing!

Father, when I see a measure of progress in my life, help me remember to take some time to rejoice. Thank You for giving me a spirit of joy rather than a spirit of heaviness. I will celebrate and rejoice in You today.