Giving Thanks for the Best Thing

(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: Adam Watson, Associate Pastor of Worship Ministries, Champion Forest Baptist Church)

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.  This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)

Have you ever had a day where it feels like nothing you do is right, and everyone is upset with you? Those are the days where it’s hard to have a good perspective on thankfulness. I was having one of those days recently and came to the point of deciding the rest of my day didn’t have to be plagued by self-pity. I made the hard decision to turn my focus away from myself and turn it toward God.

When I foolishly felt like there was nothing to be thankful for, God reminded me to look back at the top of the list. The best thing to be thankful for always remains true:  God loves me, and not just a little bit. He loved me enough to go out of his way to have a relationship with me. God created us to be in relationship with Him, and when we mess up, He pursues us still. He loved me enough to sacrifice Himself to remove the sin barrier between us. He loved me when I didn’t love Him. This truth is foundational for living as a Christian.

How long has it been since you thanked God for loving you? Do you ever feel like God’s love for you is dependent on your circumstances? Go back to the top of the list and remember God loves you unconditionally.

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell