Just Because
Don't you love it when someone reaches out for no reason other than to say hello and to tell you they love you?
They don't want anything or need any help; they love you and simply want you to know it.
Period.
No conditions.
No expectations.
No hidden agendas.
Just love and gratitude for who you are.
Doesn't it feel amazing when that happens?
I realize how rarely I shower God with that same kind of unconditional love and appreciation.
I usually come to Him with requests or suggestions, and if my conditions are met, I'm all lovey-dovey.
If not, eh, well, whatever.
Well, isn't that a lovely way to treat someone?
Forgive me, God.
I don't want my love for God focused only on appreciating the blessings He bestows upon me or the needs He meets.
I want to love God because of who He is. Period.
No strings attached.
No prayer requests.
Just love.
I love you, God, because you are good.
I love you, God, because you are kind to all people.
I love you, God, because you are an amazing designer, and I am in awe of all you create.
I love you, God, because you make all things new.
I love you, God, because you disciplined me when I needed it to get back on the right path and follow you.
I love you, God, because you gave me Jesus to show the way to you when I got lost.
I love you, God, just becuase.
As I wrote these few sentences that barely scratch the surface of God's awesomeness, I realized how hard it is to express love without listing what someone does for you.
Holy conviction, Batman.
I will continue to work on giving God the proper praise and love without condition.
In the meantime, I can say with my whole heart:
Thank You, God, for this beautiful life you have given me.
Psalm 100: 1-5
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness and delight; come before His presence with joyful singing.
Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His].
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting; His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 118: 28-29
You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.