January 7

DAY THREE: THANKFULNESS

Devotion: Maturity in Christ helps us understand that thankfulness is not dependent upon the outcome of the circumstances we face. Rather, thankfulness is a determination to trust in the character of God. There are three major enemies of walking in thankfulness: bitterness, jealousy, and unforgiveness. The world teaches us an empty coping method in saying “it could be worse...” Thankfulness, however, is not a coping method; it is an abiding knowledge that steadfastly believes that God is good, and He is for you regardless of the situation. 

Reflection: Help me to see everything through the lens of gratitude. 

Prayer: Father, help me be more thankful. Let me see Your hand working in everything that surrounds me. I want to have a thankfulness towards You that is not dependent upon my wants being accomplished. Help me know that every person, every setback, and every frustration can and will be used by You to produce in me the character that You want me to have. Thank you, Jesus.