Practice Gratitude

Practice Gratitude

 January 8, 2026

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…”

Psalm 136:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Gratitude isn’t just a polite response to something good and positive, Gratitude is a mindset, a way of seeing the world. The Bible never asks us to feel thankful for all things, but to give thanks in all things, because Gratitude reminds us that God is always present, actively working, and faithful even when things are hard. Paul isn’t telling us to fake it when things
are hard; he’s inviting us to look for God even in the messy parts.

You see gratitude slows us down. It interrupts the frantic pace. Graditude teaches us to notice what God is doing in the preseent moment. When we practice gratitude, we begin to see:

The small mercies we usually overlook
The strength that carried us through yesterday
The people who reflect God’s kindness
The breath in our lungs, the light in the morning, the grace that meets us again

Gratitude doesn’t deny hardship. It simply refuses to let hardship have the final word.
Gratitude helps us see the God who walks beside us, works within us, and surrounds us with an endless love.

What is one small thing this week that you might have overlooked but that in looking back you can thank God for now?

Where have you sensed God’s quiet faithfulness recently?

How might gratitude reshape the way you begin each new day.

Let's Pray


God of all good gifts, help us to see. Open our eyes to the blessings hidden in everyday moments. Give us hearts that hold on to Your goodness, even when life feels heavy or unsure. Let gratitude be our rhythm, our foundation, and our quiet way of worship. Amen.