A quick note before we dive into this week’s devotional:
Watching the news this past week and over the last several months sometimes causes me to hold back my words of encouragement and truth. In such times of darkness, sometimes it can feel like holding out light is not helping. Sometimes it can feel like light isn’t making a difference. But I know that in times like these, we need as much light, truth, and hope that we can get. So while my words feel small and the light I hold out to your heart feels like one tiny spark, I pray that my small offering stirs up your hope and encourages you to keep leaning into Jesus and His grace all throughout this dance of life – in the good, in the hard, in the dark times, and in the joyful times. Thank you for trusting me to bring light, however small it may be, to your inbox. And I hope you know today, that you are a light for those around you. Keep shining brightly. The world needs the light of Jesus right now and always. Shine on.
Back to this week’s devotional:
Thanking God stirs up our affections for God. As we look back over how God has been faithful to us, both in His gift of salvation and eternal life and also in our everyday relationship with Him, thankfulness rises up in our hearts and stirs up our love for God. As we reflect on His love, His nature, His faithfulness, and His activity in our lives we become even more aware of His presence. Find a quiet place, grab a hot tea or coffee (I’ll have a grande vanilla latte), grab a notebook or piece of paper or simply answer these questions in your heart, and let your heart grow thankful. I pray these questions bless you today.
How has God revealed Himself to you in a tangible way in the last year?
What is a prayer request that God has answered in the last few months?
How has God comforted you recently?
How has God pulled you up out of discouragement lately?
Name some blessings from God that simply bless your soul every day? (they can be spiritual things or practical things…even silly things)
Who is a person that God has placed in your life who always makes you feel so loved?
In what ways has God surprised you in the last year?
What doors has God opened for you this year that you are thankful for?
What doors has God closed this year that you are thankful for?
What are some tangible ways God has ministered to your soul in the last week?
Which memories from the last year are your favorite?
How has God and His Word ministered to your soul this year?
May your heart grow in affection for God as you see His handprints all over your precious life.
“His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 118:3-4
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