THANK YOU, FATHER
... always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1 (NLT)
In September of 2024, parts of the Southeast were hit by Hurricane Helene. It left thousands without power, destroyed homes, caused billions of dollars in damage, and left countless people struggling to access the resources they need to recover. Many people struggled for weeks and months to get back on track. It was one of the worst hurricanes to ever hit this area. God promises us who love Him that He will bring good from anything. During this storm, gratitude was a lesson for us all. Gratitude is simply being thankful for what is good around us. It helps us see God's work in our lives and His faithfulness. When we hear gratitude, we often think of bigger things like jobs, family and health, but what about the smaller things we take for granted, like water, electricity, the ability to go outside and enjoy the sun, food and clothing?
Thankfulness opens our hearts to receive more from God. It shifts our attention from what we lack to what God has given. It shifts our minds from our problems to God's character. No matter whether you are in a storm, in a great season of life or have doubts about the Lord, give thanks! It helps you not only spiritually but also mentally and emotionally. The depression starts to turn from dark to light. The anxiety begins to calm like the sea at dawn. The stress begins to roll off you like water on a rainy day. As we recognize His goodness, we learn to trust His direction, embrace our circumstances and use His gifts wisely. A grateful heart helps us walk faithfully, love generously and live the life He calls us to live.
APPLICATION: Today, write down three things you are grateful for. Afterward, give thanks to the Lord.
PRAYER: Jesus, everything I have is a gift from You. Sometimes, I forget what You have done in my life. Help me to see even the little things in life as blessings and trust that You have my best interests at heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?