Daily Devotion: A Grateful Heart

Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5: 15-18, Ephesians 5: 20

Main Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5: 18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Observation:
God showed his great power and mercy toward the Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. God spared them from slavery by using Moses to speak to the Pharaoh. God spared them from the ten plagues He sent to Egypt. God spared them from the angel of death He sent to kill every first-born son in Egypt during Passover. God spared them again from the Egyptians as they were pursuing them in the Red Sea. But instead of having a thankful heart and asking for God's provisions, they grumbled when they didn't have food to eat or water to drink. What's even worse was that they complained they have nothing to eat but manna! Perhaps, you'd think that you were never like the Israelites. But at one point in our lives, we have been complainers. We have grumbled and whined.

But we are urged to give thanks in ALL situations, no matter what situation we are in. No matter what struggles we have, no matter what trials and tests we go through, there is no reason not to give thanks. And if we are truly in Christ, we are mandated to give thanks. It is God's will for us because we are already in Christ.

Application:
What do you think would hinder you from having a thankful attitude? Do you have a sour spirit, one that easily finds the bad in others and in almost every situation? What about a selfish character? Do you find yourself thinking about what you want instead of what God wants in your life, so that when God does something that's not aligned to your plans, you complain to God about it? Or, are you impatient and discontented about how God moves in your life and wished that God would fast forward His will in your life?

God's sovereign will for us, His children, is to lead us to circumstances that will bring out the best in our life. We need to submit to His sovereign will, trust in God, and let Him do the work in His own time. Our lives are a work in progress. He is not yet finished in molding us, but if we continue to trust in the Lord, we will stop grumbling and instead will be grateful for the work He is doing in our life right now.   

Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, forgive me when I fail to see Your sovereign will and instead complain and grumble. Thank you for working in my life, for Your constant provision and protection, and for leading me to situations that would benefit me the most according to Your great plan. Thank you for the sacrifice of Your Son on the cross. Thank you for Your love, mercy, grace, and favor. May I always see Your plans for me as the ones that would bring the best in me. May I find favor in Your presence daily. In Jesus's name I pray. AMEN.