Sandals Church Podcast

Welcome to Episode 11 of Coram Deo, which is Latin for 'in the presence of God'. We hope this blesses you and centers you on what it looks like to practice thankfulness, even in the hard times.

What is Sandals Church Podcast?

At Sandals Church, our vision is to be real with ourselves, God and others. This channel features sermons and teaching from Pastor Matt Brown and other members of the Sandals Church preaching team. You can find sermon notes, videos and more content at http://sandalschurch.com/watch

Tim Hawley:

Let's be honest. Sometimes gratitude feels out of reach. When life hits hard, thankfulness isn't always the first instinct. But Paul's words in first Thessalonians are more than idealism. It's discipline.

Tim Hawley:

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. First Thessalonians five sixteen through 18. Gratitude is more than a response to good things in life.

Tim Hawley:

It's a posture of the heart that shapes how we see God and the world around us. In first Thessalonians, Paul challenges us to be thankful in all circumstances, not just when things are easy or going well, but even in the moments when life is hard. He says it is God's will for us, which means gratitude is part of the life he has designed for us to live. One of continual thankfulness. Think about your life today.

Tim Hawley:

What are you thankful for? Take a moment to reflect on both the big and small blessings, your relationships, your health, the beauty of nature, the ability to breathe in the quiet moments. Consider also the harder moments, the struggles, the challenges, the pain. Can you find something to be thankful for even in those? It's easy to thank God when things go well, but true gratitude recognizes his his goodness even in the midst of difficulties.

Tim Hawley:

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, imagine yourself inhaling a spirit of gratitude. As you exhale, let go of the resistance in your heart to be thankful in difficult times. Reflect on this. Even in the hard moments, God is present with you and his goodness is never far behind.

Tim Hawley:

In the quiet of this moment, offer your gratitude to God, thanking him for his presence in every season of life, both the easy and the hard. This week, put this into practice by keeping a running list of things you're thankful for each day, big and small. Don't overthink it. Don't overanalyze it. Just let it be real and honest.

Tim Hawley:

Gratitude grows stronger the more we practice giving thanks. And when life gets hard, that list might just be the reminder you need.