1 Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
What feelings come to mind when Autumn arrives? Are you worried about adjusting to the flurry of activities and colder weather that blows in with the blustery winds? Or do you embrace the new season with all the changes it brings? Truth be told, I hold a special affection for Fall. I get to switch to wearing sweaters, cozy up with a blanket on the sofa while watching Hallmark movies, bring out the crockpot to create comfort dinners like soups and stews, and heat the oven to bake dozens of yummy cookies, muffins, and pies for all the seasonal occasions to come.
As November approached this year, God whispered to my heart about adding something else to my usual spiritual habits. It has been a rough year for me physically but, even so, I’ve chosen to find ways to be thankful each day and focus on the goodness of God. With that thought in mind, I decided to dedicate the entire month of November to expressing gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord by creating a “Gratitude Jar,” in which to place a short prayer of thanks each morning. After coming down to the kitchen, the first thing I do is to start brewing my cuppa, and then consider how God has demonstrated His goodness to me, write it on a slip of paper, and add it to the jar. It has enabled me to redirect my thoughts from lists, appointments, chores, and even the ever-present pain, to a focus on my heavenly Father and to offer my thanksgiving and gratitude to Him.
Already, recollecting the many ways God has shown His care and concern for me this past year, there are almost too many to count. His goodness abounds; my gratitude has multiplied. He is good, all the time!
How can you express your gratitude and thanksgiving to Him this season?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for all the ways You have demonstrated Your goodness. Help me recognize the fingerprints of Your presence in my life that require trust and confidence in Your sovereign plan. Even in the most challenging days, may I embrace Your goodness with gratitude and thanksgiving. In Your Son’s name. Amen.
– photo by Devotions For All Reasons
I am honored that you have taken the time to read my devotion today, and I pray that it encourages you and brings glory to God. To receive Devotion For All Reasons in your email every day, visit the homepage and simply click on “Subscribe.”
