September, draped in the golden hues of autumn’s embrace, ushers in the enchanting rhythm of harvest—the season where nature’s labor bears its fruit and we gather the rewards of what’s been carefully nurtured. As the season gracefully changes its attire, the vibrant hues of the leaves stand as a captivating symbol of life’s transient nature and the significance of cultivating a heart of gratitude. The night sky, adorned with its radiant constellations, beckons us to pause and marvel at the grandeur of creation, reminding us that we are not the architects of our own blessings but rather the fortunate recipients of the abundance bestowed by Our Lord and Creator. This humble posture is something to be deeply thankful for, as it grounds us to understand that acknowledging our dependence on Our Lord enriches our souls and leads us to a fuller, more meaningful life.
This month’s Thursday devotional, “In Pursuit of Gratitude and Humility,” reminds us that all we have comes from Our Lord and Saviour. Just as the stars follow their appointed paths in the heavens, so must we align our hearts with the principles of thankfulness and humility, recognizing the hand of Our Lord in all we experience. Our days, filled with small miracles and unnoticed mercies, are a testament to His ever-present grace. We are called to acknowledge these gifts in times of joy and moments of trial.
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)
Gratitude is a crucial component of spiritual maturity. It is the recognition that, despite our circumstances, we are blessed by Our Lord’s constant provision. It’s easy to be thankful when life is smooth, but the test of faith is maintaining a spirit of thankfulness when trials arise. September’s changing seasons reflect life’s natural rhythms: there are times of plenty and times of want. Yet, in all seasons, Our Lord calls us to give thanks.
Gratitude, much like love, is not a fleeting emotion that only surfaces when life is smooth and circumstances are favorable. Genuine gratitude transcends the ups and downs of life, becoming a steady and intentional choice—a way of seeing the world and Our Lord’s hand in every situation. It is easy to be thankful when blessings are abundant, but the actual depth of gratitude is revealed when we give thanks, even in times of difficulty or uncertainty. In these moments, gratitude transforms into a powerful act of faith, allowing us to trust in Our Lord’s plan and acknowledge His goodness, regardless of what we face. This kind of gratitude doesn’t rely on what we receive but on the awareness of Our Lord’s constant presence and care. It is a posture of the heart, a conscious decision to acknowledge the goodness of Our Lord even when life’s path seems uncertain or fraught with difficulty. The Apostle Paul, who wrote extensively about gratitude, encouraged the early church to give thanks in all circumstances, not just when life was comfortable. His words challenge us to adopt the same mindset today, recognizing that Our Lord always works for our good, even when His plan is unclear. Our faith sustains our gratitude, especially in times of trial.
Consider the story of David, a hard-working farmer whose fields had been fruitful for many years. However, a severe drought hit one year, and his crops began to wither. David was tempted to despair as his livelihood seemed to slip away. Yet, instead of cursing his circumstances, he remembered the words of Our Lord in the Gospels: “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” (Matthew 6:8). David knelt in prayer, offering thanks not for the drought, but for the life lessons it brought—patience, dependence, and faith.
Through this challenging experience, David came to a profound realization—true humility is born from understanding that his ability to provide for his family was not solely his own doing. Despite his hard work and dedication, he recognized that the strength, resources, and success he had experienced over the years were ultimately gifts from Our Lord and Creator. The brutal and discouraging drought became a humbling lesson, teaching David that no matter how much effort he put in, he depended on Our Lord’s provision. Our Lord’s provision is the sustenance, opportunities, and blessings He bestows upon us, often beyond what we can see or imagine, ensuring our needs are met even when we face life’s harshest trials.
In surrendering his pride and embracing this dependence, David discovered the depth of humility—an understanding that all good things come from above and that our Lord sustains us every season. This newfound humility deepened his faith and nurtured a grateful heart, even amid adversity. He realized that all his years of success had been a gift from Our Lord and Creator. The painful drought became an opportunity for David to grow in gratitude and humility, trusting that Our Lord’s provision would come in due season.
David’s story resonates deeply with many of us. How often do we find ourselves in situations that seem overwhelming or unfair? How usually do we struggle to maintain a thankful heart when life doesn’t go as planned? Yet, in these very moments, our faith is tested and refined. Gratitude in times of difficulty is a declaration of trust in Our Lord’s sovereignty. It is an acknowledgment that, despite how things appear on the surface, Our Lord’s plan is excellent and perfect.
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
(Matthew 23:12, KJV)
Gratitude and humility are inextricably linked. It is difficult to be genuinely thankful without a humble heart recognizing its dependence on Our Lord. In the Gospels, Jesus constantly emphasized the importance of humility, not only as an attitude towards others but as a necessary posture before Our Lord. We must fully embrace the blessings of life by first acknowledging that they are not earned but gifted by the grace of Our Lord and Saviour.
Humility requires us to step back and recognize that we are not the sole architects of our success. The accomplishments we take pride in, the relationships we cherish, and the provisions we enjoy are all the result of Our Lord’s hand at work in our lives. This understanding should naturally lead us to deep gratitude for what we have and the grace that sustains us through every season of life. This recognition of Our Lord’s role in our lives fosters true humility.
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."
(Psalm 136:1, KJV)
This verse from the Septuagint echoes the call to thankfulness found throughout scripture. It reminds us that Our Lord’s mercy is everlasting, a powerful reason to cultivate gratitude. The idea of enduring mercy highlights the unwavering and constant nature of Our Lord’s love and provision, reminding us that His care for us is never fleeting or conditional. Unlike life’s shifting circumstances, His mercy remains steadfast, a source of comfort and strength every season. It reinforces the truth that our very existence is not upheld by our own efforts but by the boundless goodness of Our Lord. His mercy sustains us, carrying us through both the joyous and challenging moments, and it is this unchanging grace that allows us to face each day with gratitude and humility, knowing we are always in His care.
Reflecting on the vastness of Our Lord’s mercy, we understand that we are called to live in constant gratitude, not just when life is easy, but in every circumstance. This doesn’t mean that we will always feel thankful—life’s trials and difficulties often cloud our ability to recognize the blessings around us. Gratitude is not simply an emotional response but a deliberate choice, an act of faith. In choosing gratitude, we affirm our trust in Our Lord, believing He is at work behind the scenes, weaving together every moment for our ultimate good, even when we can’t see or comprehend the bigger picture. This faith-driven gratitude allows us to rise above the immediate challenges and embrace a more profound sense of peace, knowing that His plan is always greater than our present understanding.
Reflecting on gratitude and humility, we must recognize that both are ongoing pursuits. They are not simply attitudes we adopt in moments of joy or blessing but disciplines we must practice, especially in times of challenge or uncertainty. True humility recognizes that we always need Our Lord’s guidance and provision. True gratitude springs from a heart that understands everything we have is a gift.
The lessons for growing in gratitude and humility are both simple and powerful. First, we need to pause each day to recognize the blessings in our lives, whether the breath we take, the food we eat, or the people we love. Second, we should remember that we are not self-made. Our Lord gives us the strength and ability to succeed in all areas of life—whether in our work or personal achievements.
Ask yourself, how often do you pause to give thanks for the things you take for granted? Is your heart postured in humility, recognizing that all you have is a gift from Our Lord and Saviour? The pursuit of gratitude and humility requires intentionality. It calls for us to pause and step back from life’s constant rush and distractions, allowing us to reflect on how Our Lord has continually blessed, guided, and sustained us. By looking beyond our daily routines and concerns, we can better recognize the quiet yet profound ways in which His grace touches our lives—whether through answered prayers, unexpected opportunities, or the strength we find to endure difficult seasons. This reflection helps cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility, allowing us to see more clearly how deeply we depend on His loving care. When we do this, we find that there is always something to be thankful for, even amid difficulty.
Each day this month, set aside a few minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for. This could be the apparent blessings in your life—like family, health, or opportunities—but also consider the challenges that have shaped you and taught you to rely on Our Lord. These hardships may be difficult, but they often strengthen our faith and deepen our dependence on His grace. Doing this creates a habit of recognizing His presence in good and challenging times. After reflecting on these moments, offer a simple prayer of gratitude, asking Our Lord for continued blessings and the strength to live with a humble heart. This practice helps keep our focus on His goodness and reminds us of our daily need for His guidance.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
(Matthew 5:5, KJV)
Being meek is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness or submission, but in the eyes of Our Lord, meekness is a strength. It is a posture of humility and gentleness, not toward the world, but toward Our Lord and His will. Being meek means willingly surrendering our pride, knowing we cannot control or shape our lives independently. Instead, we trust His plan, accepting that His wisdom exceeds our own. This meekness is not about shrinking or giving up; instead, it is about courageously allowing Our Lord to lead us, knowing that in following Him, we will inherit something far more significant than anything the world can offer—His eternal kingdom. In this way, meekness becomes an expression of deep faith and strength, a humble acknowledgment that Our Lord’s way is always the best.
Share the Blessing
Thank you for spending time with us in reflection today. By recognizing Our Lord's hand in all things, both the blessings and the challenges, we can grow in faith and live with a heart full of thankfulness. If this devotional has blessed you, we encourage you to share it with others needing rest and peace. Let's continue to support one another in our pursuit of spiritual renewal by spreading the message of His peace.
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Together, let us journey toward deeper reflection and rest in Our Lord. May you walk in wisdom and light, always guided by His truth. In Jesus' name, Our Lord and Saviour.
