Day 3: The Power of Gratitude
1/15/20253 min read
“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 (NIV)
Reflection
Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools God has given us, and it lays the foundation for hope and joy. It allows us to shift our perspective from what’s missing to what’s present and helps us focus on God’s goodness, even in the hardest seasons of life
Yesterday, we talked about having faith despite fear. Another way to nurture boldness and trust in God is to look back on what He has already done, to notice the blessings He has given, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude.
A strategy I’ve leaned on during difficult times is focusing on what’s working. What we focus on tends to grow. When we dwell on our blessings, the weight of our struggles becomes lighter, and our hearts are filled with hope.
In 2021 through to 2022, I faced one of the most difficult challenges of my life. I was very ill, and it was difficult to understand what was going on. Test after test provided no answers, and I was left being treated only for symptoms that would disappear for a while, only to come back. It was exhausting. My body changed drastically—I was losing a lot of weight, my skin lost its glow, and I could barely eat. Going out for fun became almost impossible because eating in public was too hard; I would often gag or couldn’t swallow, and I didn't just feet like a shadow of myself, I looked like it.
I know that during difficult times, gratitude can feel like an impossible task. How can we be thankful when life feels too much, and answers seem out of reach? Yet, even in these hard moments, gratitude has the power to transform our perspective.
In Jeremiah 29:11 God says,:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I realized that if God’s plans for me were good, I could trust Him—even if the healing didn’t come the way I wanted. I told myself that even if the worst happened and I didn’t survive, God would take care of my family, and I would be with Him in heaven. That gave me peace, and then I began to notice and thank God for the small things: my husband’s support, my children’s laughter, the little food I managed to eat. Gratitude became my lifeline.
And then things began to move quickly, the time the diagnosis finally came, and even when the surgery I needed was rescheduled two times, I wasn’t overwhelmed by despair. In just three weeks, I was out of the hospital, recovering from surgery, and on the path to healing.
Looking back, I see how gratitude didn’t just carry me through—it transformed me. It brought me peace and joy in a situation that felt hopeless. It helped me see God’s fingerprints in the midst of my struggle.
When we shift from asking, "Why is this happening?" to "What is God teaching me in this season?" everything changes.
Gratitude won’t deny our challenges; but it will reframe them. We can start to see the hidden strengths and blessings, and notice God’s presence and provision, even in the smallest blessings—a kind word, a moment of joy, or the strength to face another day.
When we pause to give thanks, we are saying: “I see, hear, and feel that God is good, even here.”
Paul captures this beautifully in Colossians 3:15-17:
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Write a gratitude list. Start with 10 things, no matter how small or simple.
As you write, notice how your list grows, and your heart begins to feel lighter.
End by thanking God for each blessing, and allow the gratitude you feel lead you to peace and joy.
Father, thank You for the gift of gratitude and how it helps me see Your goodness in every season. Teach me to trust You more deeply and to focus on the blessings You’ve placed in my life. Let my heart overflow with thanksgiving, no matter the challenges I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.