I have struggled with wondering if God doesn't approve of me since I don't do everything perfectly. I have doubted the existence of unconditional love. I talked to Jesus about this. I sensed His sadness that I would feel so much pressure to be what I can't be. He assured me that I don't ever have to try to earn His approval, that He approves of me as a person even when I fail, sin, struggle, or learn slowly. He's totally pleased with His people no matter how poorly we're doing. He approves of us because we belong to Him; we're in His family. He delights in watching us be transformed from glory to glory. He takes pleasure in those who fear Him, who hope in His mercy.
I like Psalm 116:13: "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord." God gives salvation, life, everything. What do we give Him? Nothing. He's OK with that. He knows we have nothing except what He gives us. We receive His gift and look to Him for everything, and believe that He is merciful. Now THAT I can do.
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