Day Thirty-Six: Gratitude
"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thess 5:18
This text is widespread and often quoted as more of a demand than guidance from a loving Father. At first glance, the text can inflect the words of a parent frustrated with an ungrateful child. Like an embarrassed mom telling her toddler to say, "thank you," even though the child has no fundamental understanding of what gratefulness even means.
In this Made For More moment of inflection, let's ask the question. Why would God's will in Christ Jesus be for me to be in a state of thanksgiving and gratitude? Does our sovereign Lord need our praise and adoration? No. Yet, while He does desire to have us see Him through a lens of admiration and thankfulness. There is a hidden benefit in the word of God when choosing gratitude.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Our beginning text isn't a crippling demand from a frustrated parent but rather a guidance from a Father on maintaining a state of peace. Ever asked yourself how to navigate anxiety in a world with so much pressure? Here's a clue… Gratitude and Thanksgiving!
Today at the end of this short devotional, focus on Jesus and everything He's done for you. Now, thank Him for what you already have. Thank Him for what He's done and for what He's going to do. When you do this, you'll find the secret treasure of Choosing Gratitude… It's His Peace.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for all You have done for me and all You are going to do. Thank You for Your grace, mercy and love. Thank You for Your peace that guards my heart and mind today as I seek You in prayer. Help me to choose gratitude daily this year and remain in peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
This text is widespread and often quoted as more of a demand than guidance from a loving Father. At first glance, the text can inflect the words of a parent frustrated with an ungrateful child. Like an embarrassed mom telling her toddler to say, "thank you," even though the child has no fundamental understanding of what gratefulness even means.
In this Made For More moment of inflection, let's ask the question. Why would God's will in Christ Jesus be for me to be in a state of thanksgiving and gratitude? Does our sovereign Lord need our praise and adoration? No. Yet, while He does desire to have us see Him through a lens of admiration and thankfulness. There is a hidden benefit in the word of God when choosing gratitude.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Our beginning text isn't a crippling demand from a frustrated parent but rather a guidance from a Father on maintaining a state of peace. Ever asked yourself how to navigate anxiety in a world with so much pressure? Here's a clue… Gratitude and Thanksgiving!
Today at the end of this short devotional, focus on Jesus and everything He's done for you. Now, thank Him for what you already have. Thank Him for what He's done and for what He's going to do. When you do this, you'll find the secret treasure of Choosing Gratitude… It's His Peace.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for all You have done for me and all You are going to do. Thank You for Your grace, mercy and love. Thank You for Your peace that guards my heart and mind today as I seek You in prayer. Help me to choose gratitude daily this year and remain in peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus' Name. Amen.