This world is a dog eat dog place. Many of us would probably agree that we feel as though we are under attack every day. Whether it be through other people or the thoughts we walk around with. Fear is an incredible indicator that we need God. It is the emotion that can alert us that we need to run to Him in trust for safe haven. It is easy to lose sight of needing Him when all is going well, but fear will make sure that we either live in discomfort or that we turn to the only that can alleviate that discomfort. When we become intimately acquainted with all that God can offer us we never have to think twice in our fear. We know that no one can harm us, because our God is greater than it all. We can be thankful each day that we have such a weapon in our corner. God can give us certainty in all of the uncertainties that the world throws at us. He builds our trust as we run to Him.
Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:4 NIV
Being grateful for the sacrifice of Christ is not a one time acknowledgment. It is an ongoing action of recognition. God sent His son to save us. This action requires our thanksgiving everyday. It is the one action that saves us over and over again from the perils of our sin nature. Through our gratitude our trust is grown and strengthened in Him. Our acknowledgment allows God to live in us. What strength we have when God is in us. Not only does He live in us, but we also get to live in Him. It is this reliance and dependency of the most profound and intimate relationship we can hope to have that generates a love like no other. The love of God is unsurpassed. We could never know what true love is without Him. He is love. When love radiates from the center of who we are there is nothing that can hold us down or keep us from great plans He has for our lives. Let us give thanks each day for His sacrifice so that He may live in us and us in Him.
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
1 John 4:13-16 NIV
A Story of Gratitude Growing Trust:
I've not always been right with God. I used to be an angry, fearful, anxious and depressed soul. I started to worship and love the things in the world. The times I would pray were when I was going to sleep or when I needed something.
At that time in my life, my prayer life was nonexistent. The pain and anger was something I was tired of fighting. It took so much out of me daily. That life I once knew began to suffocate me.
I finally hit a point in my life when I wanted to change. In 2019, I was blessed with the second chance to do it right. I started watching Christian motivational videos and reading the Bible for the first time in my life. Since 2019 I've learned the true value of life and why I was created. I cry because I know God has saved me from myself. I am blessed to say that I am of the world, but not in the world. Thank you, God!
- Tania H.
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
Considerations for your planner:
- How do you feel under attack today? Write it down and remind yourself of who is in your corner. Give Him your fear and see how you gain freedom through trust in Him.
- Have you taken a moment to acknowledge Christ’s sacrifice for you today? Write down what it means to you in recognition of all you have.
