(Devotional written back in January 2022 by Perry Krosschell)

Ephesians 5:20 talks about having gratitude to God in everything. It’s a key verse in the Book of Ephesians so, it’s not just a good idea. The Lord is instructing us to do this, to make gratitude an intentional habit. Gratitude is an act of obedience.

When we give Him thanks, in return He gives us joy. This seems crazy to folks who aren’t connected to the Lord, especially during hard times, but for those of us who believe it’s a very real thing. As we press into Him we’re blessed through it. We feel the Holy Spirit.

Gratitude opens our heart to His presence. We may be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it’s as if a light has been switched on, enabling us to see from His perspective. It’s the light of His presence that removes the sting of adversity.

May we each experience the comfort of his presence as we walk with gratitude.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash. Devotion adapted from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young