God is the giver of all good things. Trusting in this, I find I often treat prayer like a Christmas list, asking him for the things I want and I think I need in life. Is it possible in his wisdom, God has a better idea of what I really need, and I may have to let go of a few things first? I may have to give up some old habits, and make more room for true blessings.

So, I’ll start this New Year by listing a few things that, with God's help, will be eliminated from my life.

I'll ask the Father to take away:
• My need to be appreciated.
  I don't need praise from those around me. My God is the only one I want to impress. It is his approval that counts. John 12:43
• My need to fit in.
  Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 1:14 tells me that I am not to conform to the pattern of the world around me but I must be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
• My need to appear smart.
  I don't need to be a great speaker to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The power is in the message of the gospel, not in my words. 1 Corinthians 1:17-21
• My need to be physically attractive.
  Other people look at physical appearance, but they don't see what the Lord sees. He sees my heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
• My need to be first.
  Paul writes that I shouldn't look for what is good for me, but I should be concerned with what is good for others. 1 Corinthians 10:24
• My need to be wealthy.
  Luke 16:13 tells me that God and money cannot both have first place in my life. Luke 16:19-26 tells a story that warns against putting too much value on possessions. I'll put God first and leave the rest to him.
• My need to be strong.
  My own strength is never enough, but the Bible tells me that God's power can be displayed best when I am weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9&10
• My need to be good enough.
  I always try to be good and do what is right, but no matter how hard I work at it, I always fail. I will always fall short of God's glory. The amazing thing is that by his grace and through the work of Jesus Christ. I can rest in the fact that I am good enough. Romans 4:25 and Romans 6:18-19

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