3 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Deuteronomy 12-13
Luke 1:46-66

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Luke 1:49 (CSB): “because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

As I write this article two months before March 24, my wife and I have just returned from taking our youngest son to Louisville to attend Boyce College.

After saying “goodbye” to our son, we drove to Cincinnati so I could visit my dad in a nursing home. His dementia has taken its toll. I stepped into his room and asked: “Do you know who I am?” He looked at me, trying to remember, and then said, “No, I don’t.”

So, as Kim and I headed south of Cincinnati on I-75, we were a bit discouraged.

But we’ve learned that there is something we can do to help each other out of the doldrums. We choose to reflect on the things that the Mighty One has done for us.

Luke 1:49 (CSB): “because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.”

I want to share with you something that Kim and I did on our way back to Florida that really lifted our spirits. You can do this, too!

We played a little game. I started it off by saying something that I am thankful to the Lord for. Then, Kim said something that she was grateful to the Lord for. Then it was my turn. Then hers. Then mine. Etc.

I think we went back and forth for about 10 minutes. By the time we finished expressing the things the Mighty One has done for us, we felt so much better.

Friend, God has done great things for all of us, not just Mary. But we often either don’t notice, or notice and forget about them. So, it’s a great thing to stop and reflect on just how good God has been to you. No matter how tough life is for you right now, this little game will almost certainly put a smile on your face.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you to realize just how much He’s done for you.
  • Ask God to help you play “the grateful game” sometime in the next day or two.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into the biblical concept of gratitude, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What does the Bible say about thankfulness/gratitude?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)