The Upper Room Devotional 3 August 2022 | A Grateful Heart

THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 3 2022, WEDNESDAY

Today’s Topic: A Grateful Heart
Dianne Bradford (Auckland, New Zealand)

TODAY’S READING
Psalm 92:1-4

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
What a difference gratitude to God can make!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1 (NRSV)

Returning to work after five weeks of being in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic had me grumbling and complaining. The thought of having to wake up early each morning, drive to work, and spend eight hours a day at my desk was making me feel disgruntled and irritated.

It was during one of my many moments of grumbling that I remembered that as a Christian I’m called to give thanks to the Lord in every situation, regardless of how I feel. But that’s difficult to do. So, here’s what I decided: Every time I was about to say, “I don’t want to go back to work,” I replaced it with, “I’m thankful that I have work.”

Every time I was about to say, “I don’t want to wake up early,” I replaced it with, “I’m thankful I have a bed to sleep in.” Wow! What a difference that made! Throughout the week my “attitude of gratitude” changed my mindset and my perspective toward returning to work. Remarkably, my feelings eventually aligned with what I was saying.

When we find ourselves complaining, we can find something we are thankful for and express our gratitude to God. When we do, our lives can be transformed by living with a grateful heart.

TODAY’S PRAYER
O Lord, change our hearts, and help us to be more thankful to you in all situations. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
Someone dreading a life change