What’s the Hurry? Embrace Gratitude and Peace

Practicing Gratitude: Mornings Are for Saying Thank You 

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. PSALM 100:4 NIV 

She rose each morning waiting for the sun. In winter it would take longer, and in the summer she could see the gray hint of it coming through the trees as she stepped into the kitchen. She loved the sunrise, because it reminded her that a new day meant new hopes, new mercies, new dreams, and new potential. She waited for the sun just so she could say “thank You” for what she had, and for what was to come. 

When you wake up each morning, whether it’s clear or cloudy, the sun comes up too. The sunrise is a daily reminder of God’s nearness. He hasn’t forgotten about you or the world you live in, not for a minute. He faithfully brings sunlight and warmth to the day, and moonlight to the night. When you begin the day with “thank You, God,” you’re acknowledging the receipt of this gift of fresh new mercies that He’s given you. He has already written your story and can’t wait to share it with you. Whatever burdened your heart yesterday can be placed safely in His hands as a new day begins. He made this day for you. Go for it. 

God, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the precious gift of life. Thank You for each breath, each heartbeat, each second. In every moment, may I recognize the miracle of life that You have given me. I am so grateful that You have chosen me to walk in my purpose alongside You. I pray that as I continue to fulfill my purpose, I never take this life for granted. In Jesus’s name, amen. 

Embracing Peace: When Dreaming Feels Impossible 

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” MATTHEW 19:26 NIV 

She had a dream so big that she felt like it was impossible to reach. She knew in her heart that God gave her this desire, this hunger, this passion, yet somehow it just felt like her dreams had been quieted to a whisper. She began to question if her dreams were too big, if she was even capable of continuing to dream. 

There will be moments when you find yourself at the intersection of faith and doubt. Hopeful, yet somehow lacking in trust because defeat begins to creep in. You then start trying to force what God has not rushed, causing you frustration, and oftentimes confusion. It is so important to know the divine calling God has placed on your life. Every single dream, God-breathed, will not be wasted. What He has planted in you will draw you closer to Him, develop your character, and glorify His name through each step you take down the path that He is lighting for you. You do not have to rush into your calling. Listen to God’s voice. In whatever season you are in, let Him guide you, instead of letting your fears guide you. Remember that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called He just needs your yes. 

God, thank You for placing inside me dreams that have brought me these desires that continue to stir in my heart. I know that lately my dreams have felt so impossible. I pray for a newness to awaken my desire to dream again. May my dreams be a testament of Your goodness. May this journey allow me to trust You that even if I may not have the answers, I know that You turn the impossible to possible. I’m believing You are the God of miracles. In Jesus’s name, amen. 

These devotions are excerpted from Unrushed Living: Embracing Simplicity and Savoring Life’s Moments by Sopha Rush.