Promise for Today - Hearts of Gratitude

NOTE: For the rest of November, I will share Thanksgiving moments written by other authors.

Today's devotional was written by Jordyn Juarez.
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Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Gratitude is a powerful thing. It changes the way we see our circumstances. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians remind us that joy, prayer, and thankfulness are not occasional acts; they are ways of life for those who belong to Jesus. Notice he does not say be thankful for all circumstances, but IN all circumstances. That is a big difference.

We may face loss, disappointment, or uncertainty, yet even then, we can find reasons to give thanks – because God is still good, still present with us, and still working for our good. When we choose gratitude, our hearts shift from focusing on what is missing to recognizing what has been given to us. Every breath, every answered prayer, every bit of grace is a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Gratitude anchors us when life feels shaky, helping us remember that joy is not found in perfect conditions — it is found in a perfect Savior.

R E F L E C T I O N

What are three things you can thank God for today, even if it is hard? How might daily gratitude reshape your attitude and deepen your faith?

Prayer:

Lord,
         Thank You for Your constant goodness. Help us to rejoice even when life feels heavy, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in every season. Teach us to see Your hand at work in all things and to live each day with a grateful heart. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

When the Wind Stopped

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
Matthew 14:29-32 NLT

This has always been one of my favorite passages of Scripture. I don't care how many people point out Peter's fear and doubt, I don't see anyone else's name mentioned as going over the side of the boat IN THE STORM and walking on the water. It lends a whole new meaning to "getting your sea legs."

I thought I'd heard this story taught from every angle. I was wrong. My pastor taught on this last night and I heard another pastor's sermon on YouTube this morning that seemed to be the extension of last night's teaching and both were exactly what I needed to hear. I've lived long enough to know that when God repeats something, verily verily I'd better pay close attention.

Just to refresh - In this story of the storm and Peter, verse 24 tells us, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. The waves that Jesus was walking on. The same waves that Peter stepped into when he went over the side of the boat. The point being that the circumstances had not changed. Jesus was there, but the storm was still raging. Jesus bid Peter come and walk to Him and the storm raged on. It didn't stop when Jesus showed up. It didn't stop when Jesus reached down and pulled Peter out of the water. It didn't stop as they were climbing to get into the boat -which was no easy task...  It stopped after they got back into the boat. After...  

Sometimes the circumstances don't change, but I can guarantee you that Jesus is there because His Word promises He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5). And we know that God works ALL things together for our good. Storms, dark nights, tears. Faith is never strengthened without being tested. When did the wind stop? AFTER the waves, after the dark, after the fear, after he was sinking, after he climbed back up into the boat. Where was Jesus? Right there. Always right there.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the encouragement to grow our faith. Thank You for never leaving us. Thank You for Your presence at all times. Remind us to give thanks IN all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen