He Enjoys Us!

When my oldest granddaughter was a baby, I learned a wonderful lesson about God’s love. Six-week-old Emma had never said anything clever or done anything noble or good. She required constant care and gave nothing tangible in return. But whenever I held her, I was overcome with love and enjoyment for her. 

Zephaniah 3:17 says God “will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.” (NLT)

Sometimes it's hard for me to understand how God can enjoy me. So many Christians have done truly remarkable things for His Kingdom. My contributions are so small. Then I think about how much I enjoyed my children and grandchildren before they offered anything in return, and I realize that's how God loves me.

Take that thought with you today--you're His beloved child, and He enjoys you!

© copyright Gail Burton Purath, 2011
Because it's Tuesday, this is a 1-minute devotion from the archive. This is a popular devotion and I have actually published it twice before on Bible Love Notes. If you'd like a "double shot" of Scripture in your morning coffee, why not read "I'm Awesome, You're Awesome" 


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Beyond Understanding

Have you ever thought: "Why pray? If God wants something to happen, it will happen whether I pray or not."

C.S. Lewis said that's the same as saying: "Why wash my hands? If God wants them clean, they'll be clean whether I wash them or not." 

Although we can't fully understand prayer with our finite minds, God still tells us to "Never stop praying" (1 Thessalonians 5:17NLT).

And Scripture assures us there are many benefits in prayer. For example, prayer brings a peace that is beyond our understanding. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 

If we can't understand the peace prayer brings, we shouldn't be surprised that we can't understand prayer itself. 

Obviously, understanding prayer is not as important as simply doing it. 

If you'd like to do a short, nutritious Bible study on this devotion, check out Bite Size Bible Study.

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