A JOYOUS SENSE OF THANKFULNESS
As I looked longingly at “all the things I’m missing,” I realized that my sense of being in the doldrums was in danger of becoming chronic grumpiness. Couldn’t I find joy in any of the places where I was currently dwelling? I lifted my prayers to the Lord and cried out for Him to somehow bring a change – and in that shifting came a sense of something true that I WAS missing: thanksgiving. Could I seek to cultivate a joyous sense of thankfulness in my prayers?
A fitting memory occurred to me. In the middle of another dreary day, my adult son had texted me a cute “Grand-boy” story. I was all ears, eager to hear something cheerful for that day. He and his toddler son were looking at a Star Wars coloring book together when suddenly, little Grand-boy saw Luke Skywalker wearing his long billowing cloak; he pointed proudly and said “Look. It’s Grandma!” Oh, I laughed and laughed! Suddenly the sadness I had felt only moments before about this very thing – my need to wear baggy and loose-fitting clothes because of my sensitive fibro skin – had now become a source of laughter. My grandson’s memory of his skirted Grandma filled my heart with joy.
WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE?
What made the difference? Could it be that a childlike perspective had shifted my heart to a place of joyous thanksgiving? As I pondered this story again, the words from a devotional treasured many years ago came to my thoughts:
“One thing is indisputable: the chronic mood of looking longingly at what we have not, or thankfully at what we have, realizes two very different types of character. And we certainly can encourage the one or the other.” –Lucy C. Smith
In this community, we have chosen to identify ourselves with the name “Chronic Joy.” Yet, we can still choose to take on a different “chronic mood” and stay fixed on those things that we have lost on this chronic illness pathway – and we have lost so much.
CULTIVATE A JOYOUS SENSE OF THANKFULNESS
What if, instead, we could ask the Lord to reveal what he has given to us? Isn’t this precisely what Jesus wants us to seek: to cultivate a joyous sense of thankfulness in our moments, in our days, in our prayers?
We might find laughter bubbling up from a long-forgotten childlike heart – a thankful gift of chronic joy.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
(Psalm 100:4 NIV)
We have gathered four Scriptures and four prayers, one for each week of the month, to give us a beautiful opportunity to delight in and be grateful for God’s grace. Will you join me in seeking to cultivate that joyous sense of thanksgiving?
PRAYER #1
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:7 NLT)
Dear Lord Jesus,
We are so amazed that you have called us to sink our roots into the soil of your great love. Help us to pause in the middle of our pain-filled and fatigue-ridden days to hear your voice calling to us. We want our faith to grow stronger in you. We want to see you in those moments giving us your own sure foundation. Our hearts overflow with rejoicing and thankfulness to you, our dear Savior.
In Your name we pray,
Amen.
PRAYER #2
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)
Dear Lord,
We are in awe that you have called us to be part of your heavenly kingdom. Even when our days feel so shaky and pain-filled, we are thankful for your help that inspires our hearts to remember your kingdom can never be shaken. Worship and gratefulness overflow from our lips to you now.
We pray in the name of your son, Jesus –
Amen.
PRAYER #3
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2)
Dear Lord,
We come to you in prayer today, even as you have asked us. Help us to be devoted to praying, to be mindful of where others are hurting, and to be watchful for where you are working to bring your blessings. We are so thankful for your great love and care for each one of your children – and we are filled with that same love ourselves.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
Amen.
PRAYER #4
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. (1 Timothy 2:1)
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you with our petitions, prayers, and intercessions. Our hearts are heavy as we see so much pain in this world and ourselves. We long to lift every burden before you, but it is not always easy to find thanksgiving amid heartache. Help us to bring our praises to you because of who you are. You are the only God eternal who calls us into your family! Thank you for the love and grace you have poured over us.
We pray in the name of your son, Jesus,
Amen.
Bettie Gilbert
Chronic Joy Contributing Writer
You can find Bettie blogging from her home in the far north suburbs of Chicago at bettiegsraseasons.com. She is walking forward with Jesus in the middle of her pain and weakness from multiple chronic illnesses. The beauty of nature and her family (including nine young grandchildren) are Bettie's joys. She and her husband have been married for over 40 years and take great delight in their weekend coffee breaks together.
Devotional Guide
Chronic Joy® devotionals are an invitation to take one gentle step, to pray in a comforting and familiar or perhaps new-to-you way, or to cry out on behalf of one precious life today … maybe even yours.
Prayer Pond
You're invited to the Prayer Pond, your safe harbor. This is where you can share your prayer requests, updates, and shouts of praise. Whether a request, praise, lament, loss, hope, grief, joy, or plea for release from suffering or pain, each prayer ripples far beyond this day and the boundaries of our world. #PrayItForward by praying for others.
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