Seven Keys To Emotional WholenessSample

Key 4: Stop Bartering With God

Maybe you think that if you just work hard enough and do enough good in your life, God will approve of you. If so, you are attempting to barter good works for the Father’s acceptance. The truth is, God accepts you as you are, but you're having trouble accepting His love.

You may have difficulty accepting the mercy of God because you have never fully received His love. Or you may be so accustomed to the give-and-take, buy-and-sell nature of our culture that you assume you can deal with God the same way: You do this for me, and I’ll do this for You. God doesn’t operate according to that human principle.

His principle is one of total acceptance of you when you ask for His forgiveness and do His will. If He desires to change something in your life, His chastisement is patient and kind (never beyond your ability to bear), and His love is constant (never withheld or removed). You can’t barter your way around God’s will, no matter how hard you try.

What should be your approach instead of bartering? I’m glad you asked! 

Trust God.

Ask Him for what you desire, then trust Him to answer your prayer according to His wisdom and infinite provision. “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:31-33).