Day 7 Devotional: The Need for Gratitude

Chasing Hope: The pursuit of a Hope that lasts

DAY 7: The Need for Gratitude

Someone asked me, “How is it you remain so positive when facing so much adversity?”  I thought about this, and I quickly knew my answer. I can choose to focus on the problem, or I can focus on the problem solver. I can choose to focus on the things that seek to take away my joy, or be reminded of the things that bring me joy. I can choose to complain about my circumstances or I can choose to be thankful and grateful knowing that in all things, God is at work. This life pales in comparison to the glory that awaits us in heaven.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. -Romans 8:18

We can be thankful that God is a working God, he’s not a benchwarmer, and no matter what your circumstance is, we know He is working ALL things for our good according to our purpose because we love him!  This means we can rejoice knowing His will is still at work in our lives in Christ Jesus!

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God’s word tells us that we rejoice and give thanks, meaning we are to have a gratitude that comes from knowing Jesus Christ.  There have been numerous studies that show gratitude to be a huge factor in combating not just depression but anxiety as well. In fact, many studies have proven that keeping a gratitude journal can significantly combat the feeling of hopelessness caused by depression and anxiety.  This just echoes the wisdom in the bible when His word reminds us of the absolute power a grateful heart can have.

As a Christian, the biggest place of gratitude we should have is when we accept Jesus Christ, that we have been pulled from the clutches of hell by His sacrifice and forgiveness that God gives us through Him!!

Assignment:

This part of the devotional, take each day and write down 5 things you are grateful for, and why?  Just 5 quick sentences!  This has been proven in many studies to reduce hopelessness, anxiety, and depression significantly. 

Prayer:

Lord, I pray may you continually though out my days remind me of the absolute miraculous gift Jesus Christ gave me through His death and resurrection, that through Him I can have entrance into heaven.  God keep my eyes fixed on the many blessings you have given me, may I find gratitude in all that is around me, from the breath in my lungs, to a warm piece of pie, to a gentle hug, and to the shelter over my head.   God, may I realize the power you have given through your Holy Spirit, but the power of your Word to fight off my ungratefulness.  Lord, may I see the many blessings around me and take hold of the truth they have with in them.  Give me strength to walk through the day, in your name Jesus. AMEN.

 CLOSING:

My prayer for you is that you find the lasting hope to overcome the hopelessness you are experiencing, and that you realize that God is with you through your suffering. He promises that if you endure, your character will be produced in Him, and his eternal hope will spring up inside you. I also pray that you will put into practice the very simple yet effective tools and focal points here in this devotion. Above all, may you allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you, and magnify God’s word to come alive as you read it.  Lastly, may you realize the power of prayer not only for your circumstance but for hope we cling to. May the Love of Christ ever beckon you to surrender all to Him and know that He has a plan for you and will work all things for the good of those whom love Him! May you be diligent every day to make time to pray, read the word, sit in the quiet, show gratitude, and speak truth in every situation. God bless you, my friend.