because I want to give You
thanks and praise. I admit that I
am not necessarily "feeling"
particularly thankful, and I am
not having lots of warm fuzzy
thoughts. I am, however, aware
that I need to thank You and to
praise You because You are
worthy. Also, I need to obey in
this area of giving thanks
whether I "feel" it or not. I need
the peace that results from time
spent at Your feet adoring You,
and You are waiting for that
time of fellowship and
communion, too.
your petitions, I have come to you and met your heart; I have eased your mind, and I have
lifted the burden you have been carrying. I have reminded you of Who I am. I am the great,
almighty, sovereign God in Whom rests all power to answer every prayer. I hear your voice,
and it stirs the mercy of My heart to sustain you and to fill every petition that you bring.
It has been good to hear you pray and to know your fellowship. Sometimes, without
realizing it, you simply rehearse your worries and fears and call that prayer. Instead, all you
have accomplished is to make these issues even bigger and more concrete in your mind
than they already were. I want to hear the pouring out of your heart, but more than that, I
want you to set these things before Me with thanksgiving and praise and a confidence that I
am able and willing to intervene, provide, and act. I leave no job unfinished. I will bring what
I start to completion, and I will accomplish that which concerns you because I love you.
It is your choice how you approach Me. I always hear and listen, but if all you do is list
the problems, all you will receive is an opportunity for you to hear them again for yourself
and the assurance that I now know what is going on. If, on the other hand, you come to Me
in an attitude of thanksgiving and praise realizing the blessings you have been given and
aware of My unwavering faithfulness, then each area of petition is infused with hope
because you have exercised the essence of faith. Faith, not in faith, but in Me, releases
My Spirit and My power to accomplish things that are even greater than those you think to
ask for.
You must be patient, however. You may need to persevere in prayer for some time,
but let that time build your faith and our relationship. Do not despair; I have not given up,
and neither should you. I am never in a hurry to do things in a way that would not be
lasting in the end. Do not allow discouragement, for you are to walk by faith and not by
sight. Learn to see through My eternal eyes, and you will have a new perspective on the
way I work. My timing is perfect in nature, and it is perfect in these matters as well. My
creation is proof that I know exactly the complexities of any matter and the seasons and
timing of it as well.
You never need to walk in fear of anything, for My perfect love for you casts out all
fear. Fear comes when you forget My love and mercy, and it should have no place in your
life or heart. I did the impossible when I redeemed you, and I continue to work with that
same power in every matter that you bring to My feet. Do not fail to see the miracles that
take place around you every day, for I am always at work.
My divine nature given to you will transform you more and more into a person of faith,
courage, patience, and steadfast optimism. Only the enemy of your soul would try to bring
discouragement or depression into your life, and those things are a sure sign of his work.
Resist him, and he will flee from you; draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you. I am
always with you and will never forsake you in any way. Therefore, rejoice, be glad, sing,
pray, and work with a heart close to Mine. Pray as I lead you to for the needs you see but
never without looking into My face and remembering Who I am.
Hebrews 11:1, 6; Ephesians 3:16-21; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 5:6-7
Colossians 1:16-17; 1 John 4:18; Ephesians 2:4-7; 2 Peter 1:3-8
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Romans 8:31-39; Philippians 4:4-8
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