Day 3
New to the Gratitude for Every Day 30-Day Devotion? Start with Day 1!
Take time to be thankful. Read a short devotion and a selected Bible verse each day.
It’s Day 3 of the Gratitude for Every Day 30-Day Devotion.
DEVOTION
How often do you think about your thanks?
When we are gifted a present or receive something for a holiday or special occasion, we appreciate it because our mind has prepared us to do so out of tradition and respect.
But what about the gifts of waking up, breathing, having others around us, and having Christ with us? I admit I sometimes forget to thank Him for the ordinariness of life.
Colossians 4:2 instructs us to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (NIV).
As a creative, I’m always watching the world. Perhaps an action will trigger an event in my next novel. Maybe a sight will induce different colors in my next painting. These same abilities of observance lend themselves to gratitude for what I observe.
We can choose to thank Him for everything He has placed in our lives as we seek out the “small wins” of the day.
What about what He protects you from? Your watchfulness in prayer can establish God’s rule in your life, keeping you from harmful situations.
Do you think you don’t have anything to be thankful for? Start where you’re at. List five tangible things you can see, feel, or hear. Are they unpleasant? Praise God for your ability to see, feel, or hear them! Do you think they’re small in the scheme of things? Praise God you see His candle flickering in the darkness. You’re reading this devotion—praise God you are alert enough to comprehend He wants to bless you!
A small notebook is a perfect place to track God’s blessings. If the sun shines 1,000 days in a row, you should have 1,000 blessings to write about! Developing the habit of observing His blessings will increase the blessings you observe.
When you pay attention to the world outside yourself, your watchfulness will guide and protect you. And for that, you can be eternally thankful.
Lord, thank you for being my tour guide in this life. Thank you for causing me to stop and pay attention to the world around me, so that I may see your glory and share it with others. God, may I always be aware of Your Goodness in my life. Amen.
VERSE
Colossians 4:2 (ESV: English Standard Version)
Don't have your Bible handy? Click here to read online.
AUTHOR
Molly Jo Realy
A Southern hippiechick at heart, Molly Jo Realy is author of the romantic location mystery novel, NOLA, and creator of the Book Builder Workbook. The founder of New Inklings Press, she is also an editor and coach who strives to encourage people to embrace their unique talents to share their stories as only they can. Addicted to God, cats, tea, planners, and pens, in no particular order. Follow her on social media for more fun!
COME ALIVE, STAY WILD, and always, SAVOR THE JOURNEY!
“Writing is about grabbing the reader’s attention and telling the story only you can tell. Let your personality and experiences flow into the characters you write, read, and live.
It’s not what I write that’s unique.
It’s how I write it.”
Facebook - @MollyJoRealy
Facebook - @NewInklingsPress
