This week my wife shared a devotional for our church and I decided to share it here on my blog:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1Thessalonians 5:16-18
“The benefits of gratitude are astronomical, and there are no downsides.” –Tsh Oxenreider, FIRST LIGHT & EVENTIDE
It’s very easy to focus on the wrong things. It takes discipline to focus on what matters. We know that gratitude changes us, but it takes discipline and consistency to actually name the things that have brought us joy.
In FIRST LIGHT & EVENTIDE, Tsh Oxenreider wrote the following, siting Robert Emmons, “Gratitude and Well-Being,” https://emmons.faculty.ucdavis.edu/gratitude-and-well-being/ :
“Studies have shown that people who keep gratitude journals also exercise more regularly and experience fewer negative physical symptoms, feel better about their lives as a whole, are more optimistic, are more likely to make progress toward important personal goals, report higher levels of alertness and energy, sense a greater feeling of connection to others, and even sleep better.
A few weeks ago, Darrin encouraged us all in the weekly devotional to remember God’s blessings. It is so important.
But, sometimes, we can allow the real and actual way that God wants us to live our lives seem like something kind of “out there” or hyper-spiritual or intangible and just out of reach. So let’s take his encouragement and refine it even more.
Today, I wrote in my gratitude journal that I’m thankful for Lady Grey tea. This is my favorite tea ever, and the warm drink, distinct-but-delicate flavor, and citrusy-bergamot aroma all bless me daily. It doesn’t sound very spiritual, but I think it might be better than only writing “I’m thankful for my salvation” every day. Because it’s authentic. It’s sharing a moment with my Father in Heaven and giving Him thanks for it.
God wants to BE WITH US. He wants to hear our sorrows. He wants to hear about what we love. And He wants us to choose to share it with Him. And when we practice bringing all the parts of our lives to God—even the unspiritual and tiniest parts—He enters in; He speaks to our hearts; He delights in us; He fills us with His love. And something really does change inside of us when we take note of “the feeling of petting the silky smooth fur on my dog’s ear” or “the gritty conversation that led to a deeper friendship” …or whatever has blessed YOU today. Because when we give thanks to God—specifically, daily, and in all circumstances—He multiplies the blessings: in our lives; in our hearts; and in our minds. He fills us to overflowing and His presence is the sweetest gift of all. Thank You, Jesus.
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