Day 25

I think we often forget how powerful our thoughts are. They are powerful first because they affect our decisions, emotions, conversations, and actions; and second because they are under our control. We get to choose what we focus on. That means that even in the midst of the chaos, confusion, and craziness of life, we can have a great deal of influence over our world simply by choosing positivity over negativity.

The simple prayer, “Jesus, thank You” is a way of reclaiming this autonomy. Why? Because it shifts your focus off of the bad things around you and onto the Good God you serve. You can always find reasons to be discouraged or to complain. But if you stop, reflect, and pray, you’ll find even more reasons to thank Jesus for what He has done, is doing, and will continue to do.

Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” This is a reminder to recalibrate your attitude in the Presence of God. From the moment you approach Him in prayer, begin to shift from complaining to confidence and from fear to faith. This doesn’t mean never praying about what is wrong or what you need. As we saw earlier, “Jesus, I need You” is a powerful, timely prayer. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring bad things but rather about seeing the bigger picture. It’s about noticing the good as well as the bad, and even the good that is hidden in the bad.

I’m sure there are mornings when you wake up feeling clouded and crowded, but practicing thankfulness and praise can break that negative focus and bring God’s Goodness and Presence back into the center of your mind. Gratitude has a way of quickly interrupting the negative cycle of doom and gloom that your brain might be used to following. It restores your ability to choose your attitude, and it changes your approach to your day.

Today, start your prayer time with a simple expression of gratitude and praise. Inhale, saying, “Thank You, Jesus,” and exhale, saying, “Lord, I praise You.” Then personalize the sentence. “Jesus, thank You for .” Fill in the blank with as many things as you can think of, and watch as your mind clears, your heart settles, and your face begins to reflect the Joy of the Lord.

Questions for Reflection

1. How can choosing to be thankful and offering praise each morning transform your heart and spirit?
2. Are there particular moments or situations in which choosing thankfulness seems especially challenging for you?
3. What are you thankful for today?