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