Journaling: A Deeply Personal Expression of Gratitude
"giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," Ephesians 5:20 NRSV
Series: Journaling: Writing the Story of Your Life with God
Devotional: 3 of 4
Last week, we looked at how God often uses journaling to slow down our pace of life. It is here that patience becomes the natural overflow of this slower way of living. However, it's not just patience that can flourish in this place, but gratitude as well.
When we hit the pause button long enough to make journaling a regular rhythm of our day, we begin to see the world around us differently. In a posture of surrender, we take notice of people, places, and things that we were simply moving too fast to see before. With our eyes opened to see the world around us from God's vantage point, journaling becomes a deeply personal expression of gratitude.
When we take the time to reflect and remember all that God has done for us, we realize how much we have to be grateful for - His healing touch, provision, and guiding hand in our lives.
God's Healing Touch: The Gospel of Luke records a story of a leper who, after being healed by Jesus, threw himself at His feet. Overcome with gratitude, he couldn't stop praising God for His mercy and kindness. Whether physical, mental, or emotional, we all have our own story of how Jesus has brought healing to our fractured lives. (See Luke 17: 11-19 NRSV)
God's Provision: Matthew 5:44-46 NRSV paints a beautiful picture of God's love and provision for all who walk the earth. Jesus declared to everyone who has ears to hear (both then and now) that His Father in heaven makes the "sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous."
God's Guiding Hand: The Israelites were led through the wilderness by God's guiding hand. "The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." (Exodus 13:21-22 NRSV) In much the same way, Jesus wants to walk with each of us in a moment-by-moment relationship as we journey through this life with Him.
This week, with pen and paper in hand, begin to journal your unique story of praise to the Lord for all He has done for you.
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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