The Power of Gratitude: 365 Daily Devotions

By BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Gratitude is a powerful weapon against toxic emotions like envy, resentment, and frustration. Being grateful also improves physical and relational health, helping individuals boost self-esteem and decrease self-pity. When people focus on the things they are grateful for, their satisfaction in life increases. Comparisons cease. Unnecessary pursuits pause. And they begin to notice things that truly matter. Life. Breath. Generosity. Beauty. Grace. This is where deep connection with God is found.


As you read these devotions and Scriptures, be inspired to live with gratitude in your heart and praise on your lips. Meditate on things that produce life and peace. Evaluate each day in the light of God's truth and stand in awe of a heavenly Father who gives abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. As you quiet yourself before him, experience the goodness of his presence and be refreshed with his life-giving joy.


Choose to be thankful today and watch how it changes your perspective for the days ahead


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• Language: English
• Publisher: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Release date: Feb 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9781424566945

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

© 2024 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424566938

9781424566945 (eBook)

Devotional entries composed by Sara Perry.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked TPT are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing®. All rights reserved.

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Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

HEBREWS 12:28-29 NIV

INTRODUCTION

Gratitude is a powerful weapon against toxic emotions like envy, resentment, and frustration. Being grateful also improves physical and relational health, helping individuals boost self-esteem and decrease self-pity. When people focus on the things they are grateful for, their satisfaction in life increases. Comparisons cease. Unnecessary pursuits pause. And they begin to notice things that truly matter. Life. Breath. Generosity. Beauty. Grace. This is where deep connection with God is found.

As you read these devotions and Scriptures, be inspired to live with gratitude in your heart and praise on your lips. Meditate on things that produce life and peace. Evaluate each day in the light of God’s truth and stand in awe of a heavenly Father who gives abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. As you quiet yourself before him, experience the goodness of his presence and be refreshed with his life-giving joy.

Choose to be thankful today and watch how it changes your perspective for the days ahead.

Contents

January

January 1: Courageous Gratitude

January 2: Life-giving Friends

January 3: In the Waiting

January 4: Speaking Truth

January 5: Share Your Gratitude

January 6: Heart of Praise

January 7: Boost of Confidence

January 8: Things That Matter

January 9: Astounding Kindness

January 10: Loved to Life

January 11: Gifts of Grace

January 12: God Keeps Record

January 13: Comfort and Relief

January 14: Beyond Accomplishments

January 15: Slow to Anger

January 16: Led by Wonder

January 17: Foundational Prayers

January 18: Satisfied

January 19: Small Beginnings

January 20: Consider the Possibilities

January 21: Cheerful Giving

January 22: Bridges of Peace

January 23: Continual Kindness

January 24: Blessed Consistency

January 25: A Life of Prayer

January 26: Revelations of Love

January 27: Confidence Outside Ourselves

January 28: Fruit of Our Lips

January 29: Empowered by Trust

January 30: The Power of Agency

January 31: Reason to Hope

February

February 1: Courage to Stand

February 2: Grounded in the Spirit

February 3: Joy is Accessible

February 4: Content With Today

February 5: Persistent Hope

February 6: No Need to Strive

February 7: Trustworthy and True

February 8: Cultivating Gratitude

February 9: Always a Way

February 10: Lay It Down

February 11: Beautiful Grace

February 12: Beyond the Surface

February 13: Mindful Living

February 14: Voice Your Needs

February 15: Find Peace

February 16: Great Generosity

February 17: Reflections of Our Father

February 18: So Very Accessible

February 19: Strength and Endurance

February 20: What Remains

February 21: Teachable Hearts

February 22: Seek and You Will Find

February 23: Think About It

February 24: Never Alone

February 25: First Choice

February 26: The Power of Intention

February 27: Signals of God’s Faithfulness

February 28: Beloved Ones

March

March 1: Opportunity to Understand

March 2: New Life

March 3: Increased Patience

March 4: End the Comparison

March 5: There’s Still Time

March 6: Reasons to Celebrate

March 7: Even More Reason

March 8: From the Ashes

March 9: Love’s Light

March 10: Grateful for the Help

March 11: The Good Stuff

March 12: The Path to Freedom

March 13: Heart Posture

March 14: What We Need

March 15: Confident Steps

March 16: Wonderful Things

March 17: Eyes Fixed

March 18: The Importance of Vision

March 19: Rooted in Trust

March 20: Outside of Us

March 21: The Power of Practice

March 22: So Much More

March 23: The Treasure of Contentment

March 24: Comforting Compassion

March 25: Wonders of Revelation

March 26: Worth Waiting

March 27: A Safe Place

March 28: Audience of One

March 29: Work in Progress

March 30: Fearless Confidence

March 31: Benefits in Suffering

April

April 1: All About Love

April 2: Peace in the Unknown

April 3: Multiplied Efforts

April 4: Keep Encouraging

April 5: Inner Work

April 6: Living and Active

April 7: Overflowing Compassion

April 8: Take a Break

April 9: Sweet Sleep

April 10: Tied to Hope

April 11: Open Your Ears

April 12: Spring’s Joys

April 13: Completely Filled

April 14: Nothing is Too Small

April 15: Peace of Heart

April 16: Transformed Thinking

April 17: Wisdom and Strength

April 18: Paying Attention

April 19: Ancient Wisdom

April 20: Compelled to Serve

April 21: Let Go of Judgment

April 22: Share Your Joy

April 23: A Slight Shift

April 24: Patient Endurance

April 25: Even Under Pressure

April 26: Nourished and Equipped

April 27: Nothing Off Limits

April 28: Clarity

April 29: So Much Goodness

April 30: Following Jesus

May

May 1: Firm Foundation

May 2: Today’s the Day

May 3: Securely Held

May 4: Gracious Presence

May 5: Wonderfully Made

May 6: Simple Instructions

May 7: Ask Search Find

May 8: Light of Life

May 9: Understood

May 10: Renewed Attitude

May 11: Count Your Joys

May 12: Chasing Awe

May 13: Ruled by Peace

May 14: Effects of Endurance

May 15: Living Sacrifice

May 16: Perfect Gifts

May 17: Beauty of Belonging

May 18: Chosen Offerings

May 19: In Every Situation

May 20: Moved by Music

May 21: Radiant Expressions

May 22: Clothed in Compassion

May 23: Dancing in Celebration

May 24: Eyes Opened

May 25: Light of His Presence

May 26: Increasing Love

May 27: Confidence in Christ

May 28: Love-minded

May 29: Rewrite Your Heart

May 30: Gentle Teacher

May 31: Lighter

June

June 1: Gratitude Through Hospitality

June 2: Powerful Revelations

June 3: What He Wanted

June 4: Something New

June 5: So Many Blessings

June 6: Wellspring of Life

June 7: Private Practice

June 8: Pleasing Thoughts

June 9: Helpful Reflections

June 10: Health to the Body

June 11: Psychology and Physicality

June 12: Levels of Trust

June 13: Working Together

June 14: Holy Patience

June 15: Awakened to Goodness

June 16: Good Plans

June 17: Hints of Hope

June 18: Faithful With the Little Things

June 19: Large Returns

June 20: Focused on Today

June 21: Present Comfort

June 22: Promised Help

June 23: The Power of Stillness

June 24: More Than We Know

June 25: Stages of Life

June 26: Powerful Words

June 27: Small Seeds Big Growth

June 28: What We Sow

June 29: Great Wisdom

June 30: Commit It to God

July

July 1: Firm Identity

July 2: Rock of Refuge

July 3: Lift Your Eyes

July 4: Sacrificial Love

July 5: Presence Over Perfection

July 6: Gratitude’s Returns

July 7: Surrounded by Peace

July 8: Seeing Things Rightly

July 9: Gratitude and Belief

July 10: A Worthwhile Wait

July 11: The Joys of Today

July 12: Healing Ointment

July 13: Gracious Freedom

July 14: Focus

July 15: Powerful Peace

July 16: Keep Going

July 17: Victorious Mindsets

July 18: Expressions of Gratitude

July 19: Consider It

July 20: Awe-inducing Beauty

July 21: Opportunities for Rest

July 22: Tell Them

July 23: Perfect Portion

July 24: Inner Renewal

July 25: Healthy Outlook

July 26: Different Representations

July 27: Heartfelt Affections

July 28: Greater Than Gold

July 29: Enriched in Every Way

July 30: Let It Go

July 31: Shared Blessings

August

August 1: Good Fruit

August 2: Greatest Measure

August 3: Visible Transformations

August 4: Focus in

August 5: Tender Devotion

August 6: It’s Possible

August 7: What It’s All for

August 8: Stay Humble

August 9: Captivated Thoughts

August 10: Springs or Life

August 11: Continue in This Way

August 12: Believe and Declare

August 13: Choose Kindness

August 14: Active Participation

August 15: Power to Overcome

August 16: Gratitude Builds Trust

August 17: Wise Builders

August 18: Subtle Shifts

August 19: Courage and Strength

August 20: Power of Presence

August 21: Stay Open

August 22: Partnering With God

August 23: Active Waiting

August 24: Clinging to the Good

August 25: Help in Understanding

August 26: Granted Access

August 27: Secret of Happiness

August 28: Emotional Connection

August 29: What Can I Do?

August 30: Quiet Contemplation

August 31: Room for Both

September

September 1: Settled

September 2: Made for This Time

September 3: With Confidence

September 4: Never Without Help

September 5: Take the Time

September 6: Mercy in Action

September 7: Enough to Go Around

September 8: Same Purpose

September 9: Always Abounding

September 10: Simple and True

September 11: Encouraging Wisdom

September 12: Surrounded by Grace

September 13: A Sense of Belonging

September 14: Thoughts in the Night

September 15: Every Circumstance

September 16: Joyous Wisdom

September 17: Words Matter

September 18: Combating Materialism

September 19: Just Enough

September 20: Riches of Knowledge

September 21: Inexpressible Joy

September 22: Amazing Hope

September 23: Deeply Rooted

September 24: Not a Slave

September 25: Lost and Found

September 26: Inner Satisfaction

September 27: Healing Rays

September 28: He Already Knows

September 29: Outside Ourselves

September 30: Reflections of Mercy

October

October 1: Possibilities of Breakthrough

October 2: Motivation of Expectation

October 3: Learned Behavior

October 4: Humble Yourself

October 5: Supportive Community

October 6: Perfect Example

October 7: Banner of Love

October 8: Provision All Around

October 9: Loosening Our Grip

October 10: Wonders to Behold

October 11: Nurturing Comfort

October 12: Alert and Aware

October 13: Unshakable

October 14: All Day Long

October 15: Where the Spirit is

October 16: Evidence of Hope

October 17: One Thing at a Time

October 18: Persistent Peace

October 19: Everything Right

October 20: Sweet Aromas

October 21: What Has Proven True?

October 22: Divine Exchange

October 23: Not Afraid to Ask

October 24: Overflowing Goodness

October 25: Simple Criteria

October 26: Choosing to Grow

October 27: Even Though

October 28: Return to Simplicity

October 29: Linger in Love

October 30: Sweet Relief

October 31: Blessed Community

November

November 1: Greater Understanding

November 2: Come Home

November 3: Wholehearted Approach

November 4: Absolutely Anything

November 5: So Very Near

November 6: Share the Love

November 7: Celebrate Who You Are

November 8: No Box Can Hold Him

November 9: Acts of Kindness

November 10: Beauty in Diversity

November 11: Power of Restraint

November 12: Enduring Love

November 13: Embrace Your Life

November 14: Hopeful Expectation

November 15: Thankful for Them

November 16: Rich in Kindness

November 17: Perfect Perspective

November 18: New Beginnings

November 19: Just What You Need

November 20: Give a Little

November 21: Diamonds in the Rough

November 22: Abide

November 23: Every Time

November 24: Eye for Beauty

November 25: Resurrection Life

November 26: Morning and Evening

November 27: Light at the End

November 28: Do the Work

November 29: Opened Understanding

November 30: Power of Delight

December

December 1: How Wonderful

December 2: Familiar

December 3: Ministry of Reconciliation

December 4: Advocates of Peace

December 5: Greater Than Biases

December 6: Return of Ease

December 7: Same Measure

December 8: Grounded Vision

December 9: A Story to Tell

December 10: Emerging Kindness

December 11: Expressions of Life

December 12: Share the Wealth

December 13: All Things Well

December 14: Wells of Joy

December 15: The Hope of Dawn

December 16: Choosing to Rejoice

December 17: Fuel for Prayer

December 18: Making Space

December 19: Passing Shadows

December 20: Good News of Great Joy

December 21: Hidden Treasures

December 22: True Freedom

December 23: Righteous King

December 24: The Time Has Come

December 25: Wonderful Counselor

December 26: Compelled by Love

December 27: Born of God

December 28: Close in Comfort

December 29: Return to Rest

December 30: Quiet Places

December 31: A Plan and a Purpose

JANUARY

Always give thanks to Father God for every person he brings into your life in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

EPHESIANS 5:20 TPT

JANUARY 1

COURAGEOUS GRATITUDE

Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished.

1 CHRONICLES 28:20 NLT

The practice of gratitude has many benefits to our overall well-being. Studies now show that our relationships, our mental and physical health, and our life satisfaction are all boosted as we incorporate this practice into our daily lives. Gratitude helps us to be grounded in the present moment, in what is true here and now. Sure, it won’t erase the challenges, but it can help us to be resilient in them as we see that the challenges are not the only part of our lives.

It takes courage to stand rooted in the present and to look for the goodness that is with us now. The smile of a stranger, the hug of a loved one, a warm home, and food on the table—the simplest things can be a perfect place to start. Gratitude may feel like work at first, but the more you practice it, the more you will build that muscle and create new neural pathways that make it feel easier over time!

Start a journal. Call it your Gratitude Journal and list in it a few things you are grateful for every day.

JANUARY 2

LIFE-GIVING FRIENDS

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

EPHESIANS 1:16 NIV

When we take time to be grateful for the people in our lives, evidence shows that our social bonds grow stronger. When we can pinpoint the qualities which we are thankful for in the people around us, we are more compelled to treat them as gifts. It can be easy to get caught up in frustrations, but what if we spent just as much energy or even more on what we are grateful for?

Think about the people in your life you are grateful for and why. Don’t just shrug off this exercise if nothing comes to mind at first. Think of those closest to you. What are the attributes in them that you appreciate? As you begin to recognize what those qualities are, take note of them. The next time you see them, make a point of sharing those thoughts with them. We can’t take for granted that our loved ones know what we appreciate about them. Let’s be intentional and make sure they know!

Tell at least two people in your life what you are grateful for about them today no matter how insignificant it might seem to you. It just may be the encouragement they need.

JANUARY 3

IN THE WAITING

The LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.

ISAIAH 30:18 NKJV

How many of us find it easy to dream about what we will be grateful for in the future? Any dream, hope, or longing is easy to conjure up. Yet, if we spend too much time on the not yet we may miss the enjoyment of the now. We are blessed in the waiting—read the last part of today’s verse once more. There are reasons to be thankful today no matter where you are or what you are facing.

Waiting doesn’t have to be boring or painful. We truly can learn to enjoy the slower pace in the in-between periods. We don’t have to ignore the longing we feel in the waiting. However, when we shift our perspective to what is true, what is good, and what is precious in the present, we expand our awareness of the presence of God with us. God is so gracious, and his grace is abundant toward us today.

Pay attention to the little things that make you feel connected to the present today.

JANUARY 4

SPEAKING TRUTH

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard.

JOHN 16:13 NLT

Truth need not be harsh nor sweet. It is simply that which is true and remains true whether we acknowledge it or not. We don’t have to ignore reality, our experiences, or the experiences of others in order to uphold it. It stands regardless.

When we learn to recognize the truth for what it is, gratitude can play a part in our response. Think of the promises of the Lord, in particular his promise that he will never leave us nor forsake us. He will come again and make all wrong things right. He is full of mercy toward us. That is the truth we stand upon. Even with truths that seem overwhelming or unpleasant, our gratitude can be shown in how we choose to respond. We are not powerless, for our agency is always available. Let’s partner with the Lord and his truth and follow his lead of love as we live our lives.

Meditate on the promises of God and pray them back to him with a thankful heart.

JANUARY 5

SHARE YOUR GRATITUDE

Go back to your home, and tell all that God has done for you. And off he went, proclaiming throughout the town how much Jesus had done for him.

LUKE 8:39 CSB

There is power in our testimonies of God’s faithfulness. There is encouragement for others in our own breakthroughs. Our gratitude can inspire others to look for reasons to be grateful in their own lives. Think of a time when you were encouraged by the story of what God did for someone. God meets us each where we are, and he moves with mercy in each of our lives though the details will look different for each person.

Sharing our hearts with one another connects us. When we grieve with each other or when we celebrate with one another, we are showing the support found in a connective community. We were made to lean on each other. None of us is perfect, though we are all worthy of authentic relationships. Consider what you can share with a friend today. Simply tell them what God has done for you!

Share good news—and it doesn’t have to be new—with someone today.

JANUARY 6

HEART OF PRAISE

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

PSALM 103:1-2 ESV

As we focus on the goodness of the Lord and his faithful nature and kindness toward us, our hearts will expand in response. As our hearts expand in awe, they will overflow with thankfulness and praise.

When we begin our days with hearts attuned to the wonder of God, his creation, and the gift of life, we can’t help but thank him. We can intentionally build this practice of focused praise in our lives. As humans, we are prone to focusing on negative things; the harsher realities of life are everywhere. Still, there is evidence that as we engage with the goodness in our own lives, as we purposefully looking for gifts in the simplest of places, we can train our brains to look for these more and more. What an invitation this is to turn our hearts in praise to our Maker today.

Spend time in prayer thanking God for specific things you are thankful for.

JANUARY 7

BOOST OF CONFIDENCE

What should we say then? Since God is on our side, who can be against us?

ROMANS 8:31 NCV

Studies show that as we ground ourselves in the present moment and focus on what is good, there are multiple benefits to our mental and emotional health. One of those benefits is self-confidence. If we want to feel better about ourselves, we can start by seeing the beauty of life and the world around us, as well as our place in it.

You were thoughtfully created in the image of your maker, and he doesn’t make mistakes. He knit you together with purpose and delight. If he delights in you, why shouldn’t you? You are wonderfully made, and God loves you just as you are; that will always be true. You cannot convince him out of his love for you, so why not try seeing yourself from his perspective? Stand in confidence that you are loved, you are accepted, and you belong in his kingdom.

Make a list of everything you like about yourself and when you’re feeling down, read it.

JANUARY 8

THINGS THAT MATTER

The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

ROMANS 14:17 NASB

We can get so easily distracted by silly things that don’t really matter in the long run. Some call that getting lost in the weeds. When we do this, we lose sight of the bigger picture, and maybe even forget the things that we value the most.

There are opportunities in every area of our lives to refocus and refine our visions. As we intentionally define the values we want to live by, we can evaluate how to refocus our energy spent in terms of time, attention, etc. in order to support these values. At the same time, we can choose to give less time to things that pull us away from them. God