When I Give Thanks...

“When I give thanks… I make a place for God to grow within me.” – Alice Walker

As we carve out extra time to spend connecting with the Lord during Lent, let us continue with gratitude. Ask Him to open your eyes to the many ways He’s blessed you, even in hard seasons or difficult times. Ask Him to keep you mindful of His power and might,, His love and care, His grace and mercy. Take a moment each day to write down the gifts He’s given you and why you’re so thankful.

Gratitude is a sacrifice – of self and pride, of significance and reputation. It requires us to become vulnerable, to humble ourselves, to courageously present our thanksgiving as offering.

What do you need to give up or let go of in order to offer open hands – of worship, of sacrifice, of gratitude – to God?

As you allow Him to strip away the unnecessary and the unholy, what blessings are you beginning to grasp? What are you grateful for today?

This is an excerpt from Journey to the Cross: Forty Days to Prepare Your Heart for Easter, from the (in)courage community. If you are enjoying this series, you can purchase the book to experience forty days of encouragement and guided Scripture, reflections, and prayers.