1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Autumn is now in full swing with cooler weather, a time change, and thoughts and plans for the holidays becoming more of a reality. With the change of season, are you one who longs for all that it offers: cozy nights by the fire, comfort dinners simmering in the crockpot, the smell of cinnamon in baked goods fresh out of the oven, pumpkin spice everything? Perhaps you are already pondering the menu for your Thanksgiving gathering, tablescapes, and seating arrangements. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the planning that we forget to pause to reflect on this season with a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude to the One who provides for our every need, the One who is deserving of our thanksgiving.
With that in mind, as we look forward to observing a day of Thanksgiving on November 26, may I encourage you, dear readers, to think of ways you can focus your hearts, plans, priorities, and prayers on the One who provides and blesses us, not just one day a year, but all year long. The lessons learned from the past can be comforting reminders that approaching Him daily with a heart of gratitude and thanking Him “in everything” draws us closer to Jesus during painful and uncertain times.
Last year, I came up with a method for expressing gratitude and thanksgiving during the month of November by creating a “Gratitude Jar,” in which to place a short prayer of thanks each morning, and have chosen to repeat it this year. 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 my aches and pains, to a focus on my heavenly Father and to offer my thanksgiving and gratitude to Him.
Recalling the many ways God has shown His care and concern for me this past year 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?
With eyes on Him,
~ Marsha
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of 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, and express them as love offerings to you. In Your Son’s name. Amen.
I am honored that you have read my devotion today and pray it is an encouragement to you and glorifies God. To receive Devotions For All Reasons in your mailbox, go to the website of the same name and simply click on “Subscribe.”
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– photo by Devotions For All Reasons
