sokin's devotional 65 - my thanksgiving prayer

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

John 9:1-3

ESV study bible footnote for John 9:3 :

"...indicates that God in his mysterious and wise providence sometimes allows his children to go through hardship and suffering so that they can experience God’s mercy and power in delivering them."

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God, you know best. And while I often times do not see the reasoning of why you allow certain things to happen...I know in my mind that You are in control and working for my good.

God, please connect these truths I know so well in my mind...and connect them to my heart. Help me to feel the weight of your goodness in my life. Help me to find that shalom rest you promise even when I see a loved one suffer under your watch.

God, the tough times are tough. And my greatest season of struggle is upon me. But you are so good that even while I am facing my deepest and hardest trials in life right now, you also have given me probably the greatest season of joy in my life. You've allowed me to experience things and learn things...you've given me a new opportunity for intimacy that has brought me so much joy and love and I am so humbled that you continue to do that even while I am such a sinner and undeserving.

You have brought me down low into the valleys, and yet, I am able to rejoice in the midst of it because I know that the experience will grow me and make my mountaintops that much more sweeter. What an awesome God you are!

Help me to remember that my joy and peace can never be taken away from me. That ultimately, my rest and joy is secured in Jesus.

Thank you that because of Jesus, you do not repay my sins with wrath but that you are for me and not against me. You lavish your mercy and grace in my life - so many I cannot even be mindful of - and you are always present in my own sufferings.

Thank you Jesus for this is all possible because of you. Thank you for redeeming my life and removing the greatest enemy - sin and death - from my life.

Holy Spirit, fill me, direct me, empower me, move me to desire the deeper things of You. Thank you that you are with me always and drawing my eyes to Jesus even when I dont want to or feel the need to.

I need You, God. Everyday more than the last. Thank you that you always answer that prayer with a resounding, "yes".

In Jesus' name I pray, amen.