Unlocking God's Presence Through Gratitude and Expectation

Summary

Gratitude is a powerful force that invites God’s presence into every season of life. Walking onto this site, there’s a tangible sense of God at work, a reminder that He is always moving, always doing something new among us. When we gather, it’s easy to fall into routine, but what if we approached each moment with the eager expectation of a child on Christmas morning? God is ready to speak, to heal, to reveal, and to deposit something fresh in our hearts if we come open and expectant.

Reflecting on recent personal milestones—walking two daughters down the aisle within weeks, celebrating a year of gratitude with my wife—I’m overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness. Despite my own shortcomings and the deficits I started with, God’s grace has written a story of redemption and blessing. This isn’t everyone’s story, but it’s a testimony to what God can do when we submit our lives to Him and invite His presence into every chapter.

The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 illustrates the transformative power of gratitude. All ten were healed as they obeyed Jesus’ instruction, but only one returned to express thanks. That act of gratitude didn’t just bring physical healing; it brought wholeness—restoring what sickness had stolen emotionally and relationally. Gratitude is more than a feeling or a thought; it’s an action, a posture that must be expressed. When we show gratitude, we unlock deeper levels of God’s presence and blessing.

It’s easy to let gratitude slip into consumption, to focus on what we can get rather than what God has already done. But Scripture calls us to give thanks in all things—not necessarily for all things, but in every circumstance. Even in seasons of pain or challenge, gratitude becomes a “wild card” that shifts our perspective and invites God’s strength into our weakness. When we practice gratitude, we sustain joy, deepen our relationships, and create space for God to move in ways we could never orchestrate on our own.

Key Takeaways

- Expectation unlocks encounter. Approaching God with the eager anticipation of a child opens our hearts to receive what He wants to do—whether it’s healing, revelation, or a new beginning. Routine can dull our senses, but expectation stirs faith and positions us for divine moments. [01:24]

- Gratitude is an action, not just an attitude. True gratitude is incomplete until it is expressed—spoken, shown, and lived out. When we move beyond silent appreciation to visible thankfulness, we not only honor God but also deepen our relationships with others. [13:15]

- Expressed gratitude leads to wholeness. The leper who returned to thank Jesus received more than physical healing; he was made whole—restored emotionally and spiritually. Gratitude has the power to restore what life’s hardships have taken, bringing a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. [12:13]

- Gratitude shifts us from consumption to contentment. In a world obsessed with getting more, gratitude anchors us in what God has already done. It keeps our focus on His faithfulness rather than our lack, transforming moments of lack or challenge into opportunities for praise. [15:25]

- Gratitude is a “wild card” in every season. No matter what the enemy throws our way, gratitude invites God’s presence and power into our circumstances. It doesn’t deny pain or difficulty, but it declares that God is bigger, stronger, and able to bring good out of every situation. [20:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:38] - God’s Presence Among Us
[01:12] - Expectation Like a Child
[02:41] - Family and Seasons of Change
[03:27] - Walking Daughters Down the Aisle
[05:11] - Overwhelmed by Gratitude
[06:03] - God’s Redemption in Our Stories
[07:18] - The Power of Gratitude
[07:48] - The Ten Lepers: A Story of Healing
[10:11] - Moving in Faith Activates God’s Power
[11:09] - The One Who Returned: Expressing Thanks
[12:13] - Gratitude Unlocks Wholeness
[13:15] - Gratitude Must Be Expressed
[15:25] - From Gratitude to Consumption
[16:41] - Thankful In, Not For, All Things
[18:27] - Gratitude Invites God’s Presence
[20:22] - Gratitude as the Wild Card
[21:17] - Observations on Gratitude
[25:30] - Unexpressed Gratitude: A Lost Opportunity
[26:24] - Gratitude Sustains Joy and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Gratitude

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### Bible Reading

- Luke 17:11-19 (The story of the ten lepers and the one who returned to give thanks)
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”)
- Psalm 107:1 (“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In the story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), what did Jesus tell the lepers to do, and what happened as they obeyed? [10:11]
2. According to the sermon, what was different about the one leper who returned to Jesus compared to the other nine? [11:09]
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 say about when we should give thanks? Is it for all things or in all things? [16:24]
4. The pastor mentioned that gratitude is more than a feeling or thought. What did he say gratitude must become? [13:15]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think only one leper returned to thank Jesus, even though all ten were healed? What does this say about the nature of gratitude? [11:09]
2. The pastor said that the leper who returned received more than just physical healing—he was made whole. What might “wholeness” mean in this context? [12:13]
3. How does expressing gratitude, rather than just feeling it, impact our relationship with God and with others? [13:15]
4. The sermon described gratitude as a “wild card” that can change any situation. In what ways can gratitude shift our perspective during difficult times? [20:22]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor encouraged us to approach God with the eager expectation of a child on Christmas morning. What would it look like for you to come to church or spend time with God with that kind of anticipation? Is there something you could do differently this week to build that expectation? [01:24]
2. Think about a recent situation where you experienced God’s faithfulness, even if it was small. Have you taken time to express your gratitude to God or to others involved? If not, what’s one way you could do that this week? [05:11]
3. The sermon challenged us to move from silent appreciation to visible thankfulness. Who is someone in your life you need to thank—maybe a family member, friend, or someone at church? How will you express your gratitude to them in a tangible way? [13:15]
4. The pastor shared about how easy it is to let gratitude slip into consumption, always wanting more instead of being content. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been more focused on what you lack than on what God has already done? How can you shift your focus this week? [15:25]
5. When facing a tough season, it’s not always easy to be thankful. Is there a current challenge where you can practice being thankful “in” the situation, even if you’re not thankful “for” it? What would that look like for you? [16:24]
6. The sermon said, “Unexpressed gratitude is a lost opportunity to give God praise.” Are there any “lost opportunities” in your life where you wish you had shown more gratitude? How can you make it right or do things differently moving forward? [25:30]
7. The pastor and his wife decided to make this year a “year of gratitude.” What is one practical step you could take to make gratitude a bigger part of your daily or weekly routine? [06:53]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to thank God out loud for one specific thing He has done in their lives this week, and to pray for a heart that sees and expresses gratitude in every season.

Devotional

Day 1: Gratitude unlocks God’s presence and wholeness in every season.
Gratitude is not just a feeling but a powerful action that invites God’s presence into every circumstance, no matter how difficult. When we choose to express thankfulness, even in the midst of pain or uncertainty, we open ourselves to God’s healing and restoration—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, our gratitude can lead to a deeper sense of wholeness and connection with God, transforming our outlook and our lives. [12:29]

Luke 17:15-19 (ESV)
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to intentionally express gratitude to God today, even if it feels difficult or incomplete?


Day 2: Gratitude is more than a thought—it must be expressed.
True gratitude is never invisible or silent; it overflows from the heart and is shown in words and actions. When we fill our hearts with thankfulness, it naturally spills out in how we speak and how we treat others. Expressing gratitude, both to God and to people around us, is a powerful way to honor God and build up those we love. Unexpressed gratitude is a missed opportunity to give God praise and to encourage others. [21:17]

Luke 6:45 (ESV)
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally thank today—either in person, with a note, or a message—for the way God has used them in your life?


Day 3: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
No matter what is happening around us, God’s goodness and steadfast love remain constant. We are called to give thanks to the Lord, not because every circumstance is good, but because He is always good and His love never fails. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking or broken to the enduring faithfulness of God, anchoring our hearts in hope and worship. [15:57]

Psalm 107:1 (ESV)
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Reflection: What is one specific way you have experienced God’s goodness or steadfast love recently? Take a moment to thank Him for it.


Day 4: Be thankful in all things, not necessarily for all things.
Life brings challenges and pain, and we are not required to be thankful for every hardship. Yet, God calls us to be thankful in all things, trusting that He is present and working for our good even in the darkest moments. As we practice gratitude in every season, we discover that God brings growth, healing, and purpose out of our struggles, and our perspective is transformed by His presence. [16:41]

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or difficulty—how can you practice gratitude in the midst of it today, trusting God’s presence and purpose?


Day 5: Gratitude sustains joy and blessing.
Gratitude is the key to sustaining the joy and blessings God gives us. When we receive something from God or from others, expressing thankfulness helps us hold onto the joy and continue to walk in blessing. A grateful heart keeps us from slipping into entitlement or consumption, and instead, it keeps us humble, joyful, and open to more of God’s goodness. [26:37]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one blessing or answered prayer you may have taken for granted? How can you express your gratitude for it today, and let that gratitude renew your joy?

Quotes