Welcome to today’s devotional, friends. Today, we are quieting the noise of the world to focus on a transformative truth: you can find peace no matter the season of life that you’re in. When we lean into the power of gratitude, we aren’t just being “polite” to God; we are actively rewiring our brains to recognize His presence even in the shadows.
Today’s Scripture Study
I invite you to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and open your Bible (or your favorite app) to 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Let’s look at these words closely:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Understanding Gratitude as a Command, Not a Feeling
When we read 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it’s easy to misunderstand the “all” in “all circumstances.” Paul isn’t telling us to be thankful for the pain, the anxiety, or the loss. He is instructing us to remain thankful in the midst of them.
From a neurological standpoint, Christian gratitude practices are more than just spiritual disciplines; they are essential for mental resilience. When we choose to find one small thing to be grateful for during a panic attack or a season of depression, we are shifting our brain’s focus from the “threat” (amygdala) to the “reflective” (prefrontal cortex). This doesn’t dismiss our pain, but it provides a sturdy floor for us to stand on while we navigate it.
If you are looking to deepen this habit, I recommend checking out my curated list of journals and prayer tools here to help you document God’s faithfulness daily.
Biblical Resilience: Paul and Silas in the Deepest Dark
To see this verse in action, look at the story of Paul and Silas in the prison at Philippi (Acts 16). They weren’t just “getting by.” They were stripped, beaten, and placed in stocks in a cold, dark inner cell.
What was their response? At midnight, they were praying and singing hymns. This is the ultimate example of 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Their gratitude wasn’t based on their comfort. It was based on the character of God. By practicing gratitude in the “midnight” of their lives, they found a spiritual freedom that preceded their physical release. This kind of resilience is available to us, too, when we realize that God’s goodness isn’t tied to our current situation.
Lessons from the Saints: St. Josephine Bakhita
For my Catholic sisters, we find a beautiful modern example of this in the life of St. Josephine Bakhita. Born in Sudan, she was kidnapped and sold into brutal slavery at a young age. She endured years of trauma and physical scarring.
Yet, after she found Christ and gained her freedom, she was known for her profound sense of gratitude. She famously said that if she were to meet her captors, she would kneel and kiss their hands, because without those trials, she might never have come to know the Lord. St. Josephine illustrates that “giving thanks in all circumstances” is a supernatural grace that allows us to reclaim our story from the enemy and hand it back to God for His glory.
Cultivating a Heart of Praise
Cultivating this heart of thankfulness requires intentionality. It is a muscle that must be worked. If you’re struggling to find the words today, you might find comfort in reading my previous post on how to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and growing a heart that sees God’s goodness.
When we engage in these practices, we aren’t ignoring reality. We are simply choosing to acknowledge a larger reality: that God is still on His throne, and He is still for us.
A Simple Practice for Today: The Breath Prayer
If your mind feels cluttered, try this simple “Gratitude Breath Prayer” throughout your day:
- Inhale: “In every season…”
- Exhale: “…I give You thanks.”
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You that Your will for us is clear. Even when the world feels heavy and our hearts are weary, help us to find the small, hidden mercies You scatter in our path. Teach us the secret of Paul, Silas, and St. Josephine; that a heart full of gratitude is a heart that the enemy cannot conquer. Strengthen our mental resilience as we fix our eyes on You. We love You, Lord. Amen.
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