Embracing Gratitude: Finding Joy in Every Circumstance

Devotional

Day 1: Gratitude in All Circumstances

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform our perspective, even in the midst of difficult times. The call to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) is not about being thankful for the hardships themselves, but rather finding reasons to be thankful despite them. This distinction is crucial because it allows us to align our hearts with God's will, recognizing His presence and blessings even when life is challenging. By focusing on what we have rather than what we lack, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude that sustains us through every season of life.

Gratitude helps us see the hidden gifts in our lives, shifting our focus from our problems to God's provision. It is a discipline that requires intentionality and practice, but the rewards are immense. When we choose to give thanks in all circumstances, we open ourselves up to experiencing God's peace and joy, even in the midst of trials. This perspective not only transforms our own lives but also serves as a powerful testimony to others, pointing them to the hope and love found in Christ. [32:08]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenging situation you faced. How can you find reasons to be thankful in that situation today?

Day 2: The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude acts like a lens that brings clarity to our lives. It helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack, making us more generous and joyful. This shift in perspective is crucial for living a life that honors God. When we practice gratitude, we begin to see the world through the eyes of the kingdom of God, recognizing His blessings in every aspect of our lives. This not only transforms our own hearts but also impacts those around us, as our gratitude overflows into acts of kindness and generosity.

By choosing to focus on the positive aspects of our lives, we can combat feelings of discontentment and dissatisfaction. Gratitude helps us appreciate the small blessings that we often take for granted, such as a beautiful sunset, a kind word from a friend, or a delicious meal. As we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we become more aware of God's presence and provision, leading to a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment. [35:16]

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: What are three specific things you are grateful for today? How can you express your gratitude to God and others?

Day 3: Resentment vs. Gratitude

Resentment is a paralyzing set of complaints that make us feel angry and frustrated. It twists our view of the world and our relationships, leading to cynicism and bitterness. In contrast, gratitude frees us to see the hidden gifts in others and celebrate them, fostering a healthier community. When we choose gratitude over resentment, we open ourselves up to experiencing God's love and grace in new ways. This shift in perspective not only transforms our own hearts but also impacts our relationships, as we become more compassionate and understanding towards others.

Gratitude helps us break free from the cycle of negativity and focus on the positive aspects of our lives. It allows us to see the good in others and appreciate their unique gifts and contributions. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we can build stronger, more supportive relationships and create a sense of community that reflects the love of Christ. [37:53]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life you feel resentful towards? How can you begin to shift your perspective and find reasons to be grateful for them today?

Day 4: Practical Gratitude

Practicing gratitude involves recognizing and appreciating the small blessings in our daily lives. Whether it's enjoying a meal, spending time with friends, or having a job, acknowledging these gifts helps us live more fully and joyfully. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can combat feelings of discontentment and dissatisfaction. Gratitude helps us appreciate the small blessings that we often take for granted, leading to a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment.

As we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we become more aware of God's presence and provision in our lives. This awareness not only transforms our own hearts but also impacts those around us, as our gratitude overflows into acts of kindness and generosity. By choosing to focus on the positive aspects of our lives, we can create a ripple effect of gratitude that spreads to others, fostering a sense of community and connection. [50:06]

James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Reflection: What are some small blessings in your life that you often overlook? How can you make a habit of acknowledging and appreciating these gifts daily?

Day 5: Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline

Although often overlooked, gratitude is a spiritual discipline that requires cultivation and practice. It transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to see opportunities for generosity and service in every aspect of life. By intentionally practicing gratitude, we can develop a deeper sense of connection with God and others, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful life. This discipline helps us align our hearts with God's will, recognizing His presence and blessings in every situation.

Gratitude is not just a feeling but a choice that we make daily. It requires effort and intentionality, but the rewards are immense. As we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we become more aware of God's presence and provision in our lives, leading to a deeper sense of peace and joy. This perspective not only transforms our own hearts but also impacts those around us, as our gratitude overflows into acts of kindness and generosity. [52:21]

Hebrews 12:28 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of gratitude into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to cultivate a heart of gratitude today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the importance of gratitude in our lives. We began with a prayer, lifting our voices in song and listening for the Spirit's guidance. We were reminded of upcoming events like First Saturday Worship, Family VBX, and the Handbell Choir, emphasizing the importance of community and participation. We also prayed for those in need and celebrated the return of our Costa Rica mission team.

Our scripture reading focused on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, particularly verse 18, which calls us to "give thanks in all circumstances." This command may seem challenging, especially during times of loss, injustice, or personal turmoil. However, gratitude is not about thanking God for the hardships but finding reasons to be thankful amidst them. John Stott's commentary helped clarify that we are to give thanks in all circumstances, not for them.

Gratitude changes our perspective, much like putting on glasses to see clearly. It helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack, transforming our outlook on life. Resentment, on the other hand, twists our view, making us cynical and bitter. Henry Nouwen describes resentment as a paralyzing set of complaints that make us feel angry and frustrated, whereas gratitude frees us to see the hidden gifts in others and celebrate them.

Paul's last-minute instructions to the Thessalonians are akin to a parent's advice to a child leaving home. He urges us to respect our leaders, be kind to everyone, and pray continually. Gratitude is a discipline that must be cultivated and practiced. It requires effort but leads to a life filled with joy and generosity.

As we come to the table of communion, we remember the ultimate act of gratitude—Jesus' sacrifice for us. We are called to be the "fifth gospel," living lives that point others to Christ. May our hearts be filled with gratitude, and may we use our blessings to serve others, seeing the world through the eyes of the kingdom of God.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude in All Circumstances: We are called to give thanks in all circumstances, not for them. This distinction helps us find reasons to be thankful even in difficult times, transforming our perspective and aligning it with God's will. [32:08]
2. The Power of Gratitude: Gratitude acts like a lens that brings clarity to our lives. It helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack, making us more generous and joyful. This shift in perspective is crucial for living a life that honors God. [35:16]
3. **Resentment vs. Gratitude**: Resentment is a paralyzing set of complaints that make us feel angry and frustrated. It twists our view of the world and our relationships. In contrast, gratitude frees us to see the hidden gifts in others and celebrate them, fostering a healthier community. [37:53]
4. Practical Gratitude: Practicing gratitude involves recognizing and appreciating the small blessings in our daily lives. Whether it's enjoying a meal, spending time with friends, or having a job, acknowledging these gifts helps us live more fully and joyfully. [50:06]
5. Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline: Although often overlooked, gratitude is a spiritual discipline that requires cultivation and practice. It transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to see opportunities for generosity and service in every aspect of life. [52:21]
### [52:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:59] - First Saturday Worship Announcement
[10:33] - Family VBX and Other Announcements
[12:46] - Costa Rica Mission Team Update
[13:57] - Offering and Prayer
[24:19] - Worship and Praise
[26:15] - Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
[27:29] - Personal Story: Daughter's Trip to Europe
[30:00] - Polonius' Advice in Hamlet
[31:22] - Paul's Last-Minute Instructions
[32:08] - Give Thanks in All Circumstances
[35:16] - The Lens of Gratitude
[37:53] - Resentment vs. Gratitude
[39:35] - Personal Story: Nursing Home Experience
[43:14] - Practical Applications of Gratitude
[50:06] - Enjoying God's Blessings
[52:21] - Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline
[53:16] - Living a Life of Gratitude
[54:28] - Communion Preparation
[58:21] - Invitation to Communion
[72:16] - Closing Blessing and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific instructions does Paul give to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22? ([26:15])
According to the sermon, what is the difference between giving thanks "in" all circumstances and giving thanks "for" all circumstances? ([32:08])
How does the sermon describe the impact of gratitude on our perspective and relationships? ([35:16])
What are some of the last-minute instructions Paul gives to the Thessalonians, and how are they similar to a parent's advice to a child? ([31:22])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances, and how does this align with God's will for us in Christ Jesus? ([32:08])
How does the sermon illustrate the concept of gratitude acting as a lens that brings clarity to our lives? ([35:16])
What are the consequences of living with resentment, according to Henry Nouwen's description in the sermon? ([37:53])
How does the practice of gratitude transform our hearts and minds, enabling us to see opportunities for generosity and service? ([52:21])

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent difficult situation in your life. How can you find reasons to be thankful in that circumstance, even if you can't be thankful for it? ([32:08])
Think about a time when you felt resentful. How did that resentment affect your perspective and relationships? What steps can you take to replace resentment with gratitude? ([37:53])
Identify a small blessing in your daily life that you often overlook. How can you make a habit of recognizing and appreciating these small blessings? ([50:06])
How can you cultivate the discipline of gratitude in your daily routine? What specific practices can you implement to help you focus on what you have rather than what you lack? ([52:21])
Consider the relationships in your life. How can you use gratitude to see the hidden gifts in others and celebrate them? Share a specific example of how you can do this in the coming week. ([35:16])
How can you use your blessings to serve others and see the world through the eyes of the kingdom of God? Identify one specific action you can take this week to serve someone in need. ([53:16])
Reflect on the ultimate act of gratitude—Jesus' sacrifice for us. How can you live your life as the "fifth gospel," pointing others to Christ through your actions and attitude of gratitude? ([54:28])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Gratitude changes the way that we see the world. It's the lens and the glasses that we put on. It brings everything into clarity. If I right now take my glasses off, I have no idea who y'all are. I know from sitting, I know Roger's gonna be up here because he always is. I know the Embrys will be over there. I know back there are the Kudas. I know. I can tell, but I cannot make out the features of your face. I see things blurly. I can't see them clearly. But if I look through these lenses, it transforms everything. It makes everything crisp and clean." [35:16] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Gratitude brings light to anything, to all things. It gives focus. It makes things crisp. You can see things for what they really are, not simply the shape of them or a blurry substitute. When we think about Paul's words, in and not for, it's because he knows that gratitude is best." [36:57] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Gratitude is something that helps us see what is, not what isn't. And instead of focusing on the negative, it helps us to see the positive, to look for the good in people. And it's not some sort of self-deception in which we are just kidding ourselves about people. But it's seeing them as God sees them and seeing the good in them and choosing to focus on that." [44:51] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Gratitude guides us into the sort of life that produces fruitfulness and disciples for the kingdom of God. It shapes how we see the world and it's the heart of celebration. And ministry. Part if not all of the reason that we gather on this day and that we lift up praises and that we set aside this time is because of the gratitude we feel to God for what he's done in our life." [46:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Why should we be grateful? Well, first, because of all that God has done for us. And second, if we want to see the world through the eyes of the kingdom of God, we must be a people of gratitude. So may God give us those eyes." [01:12:16] (343 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Gratitude is more than the experience. Occasional thanks be to God. It's an attitude that enables us, listen carefully to this, to let go of anger. To receive the hidden gifts of those we want to serve. And make these gifts visible to the community as a source of celebration. What does that mean? That means it helps us to let go of the resentment that we have because we think we're owed something that we may or may not be owed. It helps us to have an attitude that seeks to put other people in the front that doesn't need the attention, that doesn't need the accolades. But instead it's to help them develop their gifts to benefit the body of Christ." [45:54] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Gratitude takes us to that place. If we were to give it a definition, Alan says it like this. Gratitude is more than the experience. Occasional thanks be to God. It's an attitude that enables us, listen carefully to this, to let go of anger. To receive the hidden gifts of those we want to serve. And make these gifts visible to the community as a source of celebration." [45:54] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Gratitude guides us into the sort of life that produces fruitfulness and disciples for the kingdom of God. It shapes how we see the world and it's the heart of celebration. And ministry. Part if not all of the reason that we gather on this day and that we lift up praises and that we set aside this time is because of the gratitude we feel to God for what he's done in our life. There are people among us who've been redeemed from addiction, who are being redeemed from addiction, who have broken past, who have terrible families, who have horrible marriages that they've come out of, who have difficulties in homes. And God has. Redeemed or is redeeming all of those things." [46:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Gratitude is a discipline that has to be cultivated and practiced. It's easy. It requires very little effort to be resentful. But it takes a close look into the soul. It takes moments where you. Search your heart. It takes a daily habit of recognizing these things. To cultivate a life of gratitude. It takes a lot. But when we do that, it changes the way we see everything. And instead of obstacles and difficulties and things, we see opportunities. We see ways where we can give back." [52:21] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you want to honor what God has done, if you want to give thanks for the tremendous gifts and privileges that we have in the stations that we are in life, then use those gifts and resources, use those privileges to help other people. That's how you say thank you. That's how you walk with God and not feel guilty about what God has given you. That your responsibility and mine. My responsibility is to share those things with people that do not have them. In whatever ways we can. In all the circumstances of life that we can. That's the call to us. To live and enjoy God's blessing on our lives. And to take that and use it for other people's benefit." [51:14] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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