Verse:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Devotional:
Whats up guys day 2 of our devo series Begin Better and today we are talking about Thankfulness. Now I know I can always use a little more thankfulness in my life and I have learned that there’s nothing more powerful than a thankful heart. When a heart is thankful, it is able to see light no matter the events that you walk through this year. Did you know that the brain cannot respond to anxiety and gratitude at the same time? As crazy as that sounds, thankfulness can heal your anxious days. Choosing thankfulness leads to a life of rejoicing in God’s sovereignty. I love how this verse says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will” because although there are things we will face in the future there is always room for thankfulness. God tells us to be thankful in all circumstances. The good, the bad, and the ugly, thankfulness is our response. When we are thankful for what he has done it builds our faith for what he will do. Being thankful opens up our eyes to how the Lord is working because in moments when we can’t see it, thankfulness helps our hearts to believe it. Thanking God for the job he is preparing for me removes the anxiety of striving for one. There is no better way to begin 2023 than with a thankful heart because the rest of the year will flow from it.
Questions:
What is an area you have a hard time being thankful for? How can you see God’s goodness in it?
What are 3 things you are currently thankful for?
Prayer:
Hey Jesus, before I do anything else in my day I want to thank you for who you are. You have made a way in my life to experience your love and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you for choosing me and for walking with me. Help me to have a thankful heart in all circumstances as I live this life you have blessed me with