Approach Me with Thanksgiving

Editor's note: Advent is two weeks away! For the season, I highly recommend Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas by Sarah Young, a perfect devotional for Advent. Place it on your nightstand to read in the evening or in your briefcase, book bag, or travel bag to read on the go. It's a wonderful addition to Bible reading for everyone. 

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My delightful Lord,

This is the day that You have made! As I rejoice in this day of life, it will yield precious gifts and beneficial training.

• I want to walk with You along the high road of thanksgiving — discovering all the delights You have prepared for me.

To protect my thankfulness throughout this holiday season, I need to remember that I reside in a fallen world where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely. When I’m too focused on troubles, I walk through a day that’s brimming with beauty and brightness while seeing only the grayness of my thoughts. Neglecting the practice of giving thanks darkens my mind and dims my vision. 

Lord, please clear up my vision by helping me remember to thank You at all times. When I’m grateful, I can walk through the darkest days with Joy in my heart because I know that the Light of Your Presence is still shining on me. So I rejoice in You — my delightful, steadfast Companion.

In Your bright, shining Name, Jesus, amen.

When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 ESV 

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. — Colossians 4:2

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. — Psalm 89:15–16 

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Delightful Lord,

I love listening to the song that You continually sing to me: “I take great delight in you; I renew you by My Love; I shout for Joy over you.” The voices of this world are a cacophony of chaos, pulling me this way and that — especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Help me not to listen to those voices but to challenge them with Your Word. Show me how to take breaks from the noise of the world — finding a place to be still in Your Presence so I can hear Your voice.

I believe there is immense hidden treasure to be found through listening to You. You are always pouring out blessings upon me, but some of Your richest blessings have to be actively sought. I rejoice when You reveal Yourself to me — through Your Word, Your people, and the wonders of creation.

Having a seeking heart opens me up to receive more of You. The Bible gives me clear instructions:

Keep on asking and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.

In Your generous Name, Jesus, amen.

Excerpted with permission from Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.

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Your Turn

Let’s spend the upcoming Advent season calling the Lord delightful and truly delighting in Him with thanksgiving and gratitude for His goodness! ~ Devotionals Daily