Day 21: Thanksgiving
As you begin to spend time with God, settle yourself somewhere quiet and comfortable. Take a few deep breaths. Spend a few moments gathering your thoughts, becoming aware of God’s presence with you and in you.
Journal for 5 minutes on yesterday’s experiment of prayers of lament. What did you notice and learn? What challenged you? Did God say anything to you throughout the day?
Then, begin today’s devotional.
Read: Mark 6:35-44
Melody is the most joyful person I know. Always a smile, always a happy greeting. I ask myself, “Why is she continually cheerful?” Answer: Melody is forever thanking someone—her coworker, her friend, her husband, or her server at the restaurant. I think she looks for reasons to express gratitude to others. My wife and I know that anytime we do something with Melody, we will receive a follow-up “thank you” text or card. Melody thanks others for their past, present, and future actions.
Thankfulness is characteristic of Melody’s prayers. She teaches kindergarten in a Christian school. Her five-year-olds learn to say “thank you” to God for any number of events that bring them delight. I’ve heard Melody lead prayers with teens and adults. Those prayers are permeated with thanks. Melody’s face glows with joy as she asks others to join her in prayer. Her face is still lit with joy at the conclusion of each thankful prayer.
Life has held some uncomfortable surprises for Melody. She recently shared that she and her husband are embarking on unanticipated career changes. They are faced with uncertainties about what’s next. Melody is nevertheless joyful. She is thanking God for what He has in store for them.
The habit of giving thanks results in a joyful heart. Giving thanks in prayer increases our joy and must bring joy to our Father. It is refreshing to recall and thank God for past and current blessings. It is a thrilling act of faith to thank Him for what is to come. Jesus set this example by thanking God in advance for food to feed thousands, when all He had to show were five loaves and two fish.
Prayer: Father, help me to look for reasons to thank others today. Help me to see blessings for which I should thank you. Thank you for what you have done, are doing, and will do. Amen.
Today’s Experiment: Try thanking God for an unpleasant surprise and a problem that has not yet been resolved. See if your joy increases in the process.
*There is a concluding devotional writing for tomorrow.
By Carl Christensen, Professor Emeritus, School of Nursing