As the days grow longer, we will witness new life emerge, showing us the continuous work of Our Lord and Creator. The Bible teaches us to "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Gratitude is more than just saying thank you—it is a way of living that shapes how we see the world and treat others.
Living with gratitude means recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Our Father. From the food we eat to the love of family and friends, nothing is genuinely ours by our power alone. This realization leads to humility. When Jesus fed the five thousand, He didn’t begin by distributing the food. He first gave thanks, acknowledging that everything comes from Our Father (John 6:11). He also taught us that the greatest among us are those who serve others rather than seeking power or recognition (Matthew 23:12). This is the heart of humility and understanding that we are not above others and that our strength comes from serving, not from being served.
Think of a gifted musician who has spent years mastering his craft, performing in grand concert halls, and receiving widespread acclaim. He believes his success results from his talent and dedication alone, never pausing to acknowledge the mentors who guided him or the audiences who supported him. In contrast, a humble music teacher in a small town finds joy in nurturing young students, patiently helping them discover the beauty of song. Though his work goes largely unnoticed by the world, he is content, knowing he uses his gifts to uplift others. One day, the accomplished musician suffers an injury that robs him of his ability to play. His world feels empty without the applause and recognition he once enjoyed. Struggling with his loss, he meets the teacher, who, despite his own simple life, offers wisdom and encouragement. The musician slowly begins to understand that the true purpose of his gift was never for self-glory but to inspire and serve others. Through this realization, he embraces the truth of Jesus' words: "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11).
Scripture reminds us that Our Lord blesses those who walk in humility. The Septuagint tells us, "The meek shall inherit glory; and the Lord will guide the humble in judgment" (Proverbs 3:34). Those who recognize their dependence on Our Lord will be lifted in His time. Being humble does not mean thinking less of ourselves; it means thinking of ourselves less and focusing more on how we can honor Our Father and help others.
It is easy to fall into the habit of self-promotion in today’s world. Social media, entertainment, and culture often tell us we should focus on building our image and success. However, scripture calls us to a different path. Paul reminds us to "humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). This means trusting in His timing and plan rather than seeking our glory.
Our words, actions, and how we treat others should reflect gratitude. Gratitude is not just something we feel—it is something we practice. Taking moments each day to thank Our Lord for what He has given us can shift our mindset and strengthen our faith. Instead of seeing life’s blessings as things we deserve, we should see them as gifts. We can live out our gratitude and humility by showing appreciation to others, offering kindness without expecting anything in return and being content in every circumstance.
As we move through the month, let us live with gratitude and humility. Seasons change, but the love and mercy of Our Lord remain constant. Instead of striving for personal recognition, let us seek to recognize the hand of Our Father in all that we do. The wisdom of scripture reminds us, "Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud" (Proverbs 16:19). When we choose gratitude and humility, we align ourselves with the eternal truths of Our Lord, walking in His light and reflecting His grace to the world around us.
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.
