Jesus Calling Devotional Bible

Genesis 4

I always want more than I have. Or better than I have. And I’ve been that way since I was a child, Lord. Never quite satisfied, never willing to count the blessings I do have for fear that I’ll be frustrated at how many things are missing from my must-have list.

Is it just me? Why am I never happy? When I was little, I thought that having that great bike in the store catalog would do the trick. As a teenager, I was sure that designer labels would suffice. Then I figured getting married would fill the void. Then children, then a nice house, then … The list just goes on and on.

Even now, I catch myself thinking, Once this problem is laid to rest, I’ll be happy. Or, If only I could go on that cruise, I’d have my dream vacation! But I’m starting to realize that none of these things is the answer. And I can tell that this growing realization is from You.

I’m not sure what the solution is for this problem of mine, but I do know this: You have the answer, and You can change my heart.

—Mary

Thankfulness

Bring Me the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Take nothing for granted, not even the rising of the sun. Before Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, thankfulness was as natural as breathing. Satan’s temptation involved pointing Eve to the one thing that was forbidden her. The garden was filled with luscious, desirable fruits, but Eve focused on the one fruit she couldn’t have rather than being thankful for the many good things freely available. This negative focus darkened her mind, and she succumbed to temptation.

When you focus on what you don’t have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is “fixed.”

When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through. Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving.

See also Psalm 116:17; Genesis 3:2-6; 1 John 1:7

(From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)