30 Day Thankfulness Challenge

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God works in mysterious ways

No doubt, God’s ways are far above my understanding, but He is often quite OBVIOUS in His direction. For the past several weeks, nearly every book, magazine article, podcast and Bible study lesson has touched on thankfulness.

Now, I like to think of myself as a thankful person, but apparently, God is raising the barre on my quota. He’s impressed on me to start a thankfulness journal. For one minute a day (I set a timer) I write what I am thankful for.

Initially, it was a piece of cake. It doesn’t take much effort to fill one minute with home, hubby, health, kids, etc., but now on day seven, the flow is slower. You can test me in this. I’d love the company.

Thankfulness rewires your mind. 

As the flow of things to write on my list dwindled from a stream to a trickle, I realize God is using this journal to cause me to deeply reflect on my blessings. 

Honestly, girls, God is wooing me and maybe to you, too, to appreciate what I have and not take it for granted. To chuck the “What have you done for me lately” attitude as I pray for more stuff and overlook what I already have.

Follow the example of Paul

Paul says in Phil 4:6, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.” 

What he practices a lot is thankfulness.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” Col 3:15

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes. 5:18

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phil 4:6

Think about it

When was the last time you were genuinely appreciative of the hot water from your faucet or the taste of blueberries? Have you walked through your home recently and said thank you for the beauty and comfort you enjoy? Did you have to consider your route to the store or school or work out of fear of being blown up? Probably not. And are you thankful for that?

The basics like safe drinking water, my refrigerator and washing machine, hot rollers, flushable toilets, heat on demand, ease of travel on rivers of asphalt in climate controlled vehicles, and dependable mail service all made my list this week.

Vaccination of thankfulness.

When I am losing my balance, my peace or my joy due to stiff-necked people, cruddy weather, vile dis-ease or out-of-sync circumstances, thankfulness can reset my faith. My new journal is the documented catalogue of all I have to be thankful for and it serves as immunization from woes and discouragement, worries and fears, complaining and comparisons.

Want to try it with me for the next 30 days? Spend one minute a day: pause, write what you’re thankful for, then reflect on how good is our God.

If you’re up for the challenge, put what number 25 on your list of things to be thankful for is in the comments. I bet we get some very creative thoughts!

Father God, we are thankful for all you have blessed us with. Your presence, your peace, your Son. Help us to remember every good and perfect gift comes from you and be thankful for each one. In Jesus Name amen.