Editor’s note: Yesterday, we shared devotions from Jesus Calling: Harvest of Blessings by Sarah Young. You can read them here and then continue reading below.
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I am with you, watching over you constantly. I am Immanuel (God with you); My Presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing, including the brightest blessings and the darkest trials, can separate you from Me. Some of My children find Me more readily during dark times, when difficulties force them to depend on Me. Others feel closer to Me when their lives are filled with good things. They respond with thanksgiving and praise, thus opening wide the door to My Presence.
I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Go through each day looking for what I have prepared for you. Accept every event as My hand-¬tailored provision for your needs. When you view your life this way, the most reasonable response is to be thankful. Do not reject any of My gifts; find Me in every situation.
“And they will call Him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. — Psalm 23:4 ESV
Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. — Psalm 34:5
Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. — Colossians 2:6–7
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Let thankfulness rule in your heart.
As you thank Me for blessings in your life, a marvelous thing happens. It is as if scales fall off your eyes, enabling you to see more and more of My glorious riches. With your eyes thus opened, you can help yourself to whatever you need from My treasure house. Each time you receive one of My golden gifts, let your thankfulness sing out praises to My Name. “Hallelujahs” are the language of heaven, and they can become the language of your heart.
A life of praise and thankfulness becomes a life filled with miracles. Instead of trying to be in control, you focus on Me and what I am doing. This is the power of praise: centering your entire being in Me. This is how I created you to live, for I made you in My own image. Enjoy abundant life by overflowing with praise and thankfulness.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... And be thankful. — Colossians 3:15
The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, both small and great!” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” — Revelation 19:4–6
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. — Psalm 100:4
Excerpted with permission from Jesus Calling: Harvest of Blessings by Sarah Young, copyright Jesus Calling Foundation.
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Your Turn
Are you in dark times right now? Draw nearer to God. In good times? Draw nearer! Whatever your circumstances are today, lean on the Lord and find open your eyes to the good things He is doing. ~ Devotionals Daily