A Thankful Heart


Bible Reading - 1 Philippians 4:6-7

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Today, we start a new devotional series called “Faith over Fear.” To find faith and overcome fear, it requires to develop a thankful heart. Paul was a prison when he wrote to the Philippians. It is one of the least expected places to nurture a spirit of gratitude. However, it is precisely what Paul asked the Philippians to do, even when the church in Philippi faced persecution and poverty. He wrote, “strive together for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you” (Philippians 1:27- 28).

A thankful heart brings joy, and joy is a wonderful medicine against anxiety. We don’t learn it overnight, either in a weekend. It grows as we spend time with God, and form in God’s image. Paul is an example of someone that suffers greatly and learns to be thankful through all his tribulations.

Gratitude is a thankful heart towards God for all the goodness and kindness towards us, as we have not earned them, either deserve them. A grateful heart starts with a small step, then another and grows slowly, but surely. If we start today to seek a heart after God, we recognise the Lord as our provider. His goodness endures forever.

Today, I invite you to write three things that you are thankful to God for. May I encourage you to do it for the next three weeks? If you do, I am sure that you will grow to have a grateful heart. Once you have done it every day, take a moment to thank God for those things that you have written.


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