Pause: A Month of Gratitude in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

Prompt

Because of the pain of your past, you might feel like a boiling pot of rage, constantly on the verge of spilling over onto those you love. That’s okay. I’ve felt that way before—after all, anger is a natural human emotion.

But whenever you get tempted to see yourself that way, remember how God sees you: as a bringer of peace and patience, forgiving others just as He has forgiven you.

You simply are not what the pain of your past says about you. That pain doesn’t have to define you—God does. He says you’re special. Unique. Set apart. Chosen. Accepted. Set free. No longer a slave to darkness but instead a child of the light.

You are not the sum of your mistakes, your poor choices, or the suffering you’ve endured at the hands of others. No, you’re much, much more than that. You’ve been extended a hand of forgiveness and redemption! You have been made new! You are a victor and a champion!

Prod

Make a list of ten things in your life you’re grateful for. These are how you’re new!

Praise

Listen to “Future / Past” by John Mark McMillan

Pray

Jesus, I’m so grateful for your forgiveness and grace. Thank you for redeeming my past. Thank you for asking me to be your friend! Thank you for calling me a peace-bringer instead of someone who soaks in anger. Thank you for making me new! Amen.