Today, I am thankful that God cares about our smallest problems; that He wants to heal us; and that with Him, nothing is broken beyond repair. I am THANKFUL that the Kingdom of Christ, the restored rule of Jesus, IS coming, and hopefully coming soon!!
I am thankful that He knows exactly how to comfort and heal and minister to those who need it most. I am thankful that He is truly able to love the sinner while hating the sin, because that is often a hard line for me and for most people, I think. I'm thankful that He is not only loving, but also just... that He is the Ancient of Days who sees, hears, and knows everything, and that He will bring justice and deal with evil for Satan and for people who refuse to turn to Jesus. I am very thankful that my sins are covered through the blood and resurrection of Jesus, and that God loves me and sees not only who I am but who I will become.
I am thankful that God's love is patient. Thankful that He is kind. Thankful that He is healing my heart even now. Thankful for Starbucks nights with friends who exude genuine love and kindness and joy (that's you, Kelly Marie and Lauralai Bower). Thankful for celebrations and new paths and things that keep life exciting (congrats to Chet for passing the state test, and to TLT for working toward publishing her book)! Thankful for laughter and fun and friendship, for having a community of wonderful friends where I feel accepted and supported, where I feel like I belong. Thankful for two puppies whose boundless energy and excitement and love keep my heart soft and help ward off negative emotions. :) Thankful for parents who love me, pray for God's best for me, and encourage me to move forward and focus on what is good. Thankful for Rach and Josh and my adorable nephews and niece!
Thankful that regardless of how I may feel, nothing in me is broken beyond repair - that God heals and restores and sets my heart free to trust and love others. Thankful for words of wisdom, both in Scripture and from friends, that have been so helpful in this season. Thankful that I don't have to somehow prove myself or my worth and purpose for my life to matter deeply to God. Thankful for the words of Christian authors that connect with my heart and help me to keep growing.
Thankful that no matter how royally broken and messed up society may be, I am called to be a light in the midst of the darkness. Thankful that with God and His Word and Godly friends, my soul can be flooded with warmth and light when darkness is near and surrounds us. On a day that involved some heavy and dark moments, I am thankful for the light and the hope that is mine in Jesus!! I am thankful to be fully known and understood and loved, that my heart can rest and breathe -- rest and breathe -- in His presence.
"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my HOPE is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me."
~Psalms 62:5-7
The Lord has promised good to me;
His Word, my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures!
"You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord's coming is near."
~James 5:8
"We who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence AS WE HOLD TO THE HOPE THAT LIES BEFORE US. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure!" ~Hebrews 6:19
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