Gratitude
Anchor Scripture for December 10
“On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. People will speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness. They will burst forth in speaking of Your abundant goodness, And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.” - Psalm 145:5-7 NASB2020
Scriptures
Psalm 145
Luke 17:11-19
With 2025 coming to a close in about 20 days, this is around the time that we usually reflect on the year with a focus on our wins and losses. While this is a great habit to have (especially to track growth) I believe that the Lord wants us to take a step back and rest in the place of gratitude before jumping into our 2026 plans.
There is something powerful about gratitude. Our gratitude of God’s faithfulness helps us recognize and magnify God’s goodness in our lives. It changes our perspective, leads to contentment (not to be confused with complacency!), and most of all, glorifies God.
Gratitude
“Gratitude is recognizing that we have not done everything for ourselves, but that we depend on others (especially God), and need to appreciate them for what they do for us. Being grateful is, in its simplest form, saying “thank you”: acknowledging that we recognize that something kind has been done for us which we did nothing to earn.” - C.S. Lewis Institute
One person in the Bible who understood gratitude was David. We often read of him rejoicing and singing praises to God throughout the book of Psalms, where he consistently recognized God’s goodness and faithfulness. He was also known as a man after God’s heart.
Examples from David
“I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.”” - Psalm 16:2 NLT
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalm 23:6 NLT
“How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.” - Psalm 31:19 NLT
“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” - Psalm 65:11 NKJV
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” - Psalm 103:1-2 NLT
While gratitude is truly a powerful tool in battling discouragement, hopelessness, and discontentment, reflecting on the goodness of God in our lives is a great way to discover where God may have been in the details. Ask the Holy Spirit today to remind you of how God moved in your life this year.
Gratitude Exercise
Grab a journal, sheet of paper, or start a fresh note in your phone
List out all 12 months of the year
List 1-3 highlights/accomplishments/positive moments under each month
Bonus: What was the lesson, major takeaway from that month that you believe the Lord wanted you to walk away with?