Have you ever given someone what you thought was a special gift and the recipient was not very excited…at all? In fact, you may not have ever known if they liked your gift, which was a disappointment because you really wanted to bless them and give them some joy.
I wonder if that's how God feels about us at times. He has given us so many gifts that perhaps we've come to take Him for granted. He's given us salvation. He's given us strength for battle. He has given us the gift of His presence, and in His presence is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (see Psalm 16:11). He's given us His Spirit, and "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" that sets us free from any bondages or things that would hold us back (2 Corinthians 3:17). "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3).
It is so important that when we come to God that we learn to receive His gifts with gratefulness in our hearts. We never want to lose the awe and the wonder of the good things God has done in our lives. Yes, we might have some troubles, some challenges; everything might not be perfect today. But we walk in the presence of Almighty God! Let's receive what He has for us today because He loves us so much! Let's be that joyful, happy, delighted person who receives His gifts with thanksgiving!
Today, let's be people who let God know that we are the happy recipients of His gifts. Right now, let's bring Him pleasure with our love and praise and a prayer of thanksgiving: "Father, thank You for Your presence that is with me. Thank You for filling me with Your strength and Your joy. You are the Giver of all that I need for life and godliness, and I receive all that I need for this day. Thank You for the miracles that are taking place in my life right now. Thank You for the gift of my salvation. My praises rise to You in Jesus' Name. Amen!"