Daily Devotional:

How Do We Know If We Are Truly Grateful?

Scripture: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2

Have you ever asked yourself, Am I genuinely grateful? One day, as I was seeking the Lord on this very question, He laid something profound on my heart.

When we are truly grateful, content, and at peace in Christ, we use our time wisely. We invest in the people, opportunities, and responsibilities He has given us. A grateful heart builds, strengthens, and protects what God has entrusted to us.

But when we are unhappy, discontent, or ungrateful, we waste our time on things that tear down. These activities do not build up. We seek distractions, unhealthy habits, or negative influences that lead us away from God’s best.

How Are You Using Your Time?

Take a moment to reflect:

• Do you spend your free time building up what God has given you?
• Or do you turn to destructive distractions when life feels difficult?
• In hardship, do you seek God or blame Him?

The way we respond to struggles reveals the condition of our hearts. A grateful heart leans on God. A hardened heart looks for worldly solutions that will only leave us empty.

If you find yourself turning to unhealthy things for comfort, ask the Lord to redirect you. Pray for Him to transform your heart into one that He can bless, lead, and guide. Nothing in this world—no relationship, possession, or success—can create true joy, peace, or gratitude. Only the Holy Spirit working in us can produce a grateful heart.

The Power of Gratitude in Christ

A grateful heart changes everything—your mindset, your relationships, and your perspective on life. The Apostle Paul understood this deeply:

“I have learned the secret of being content in any situation. This is true whether well fed or hungry, and whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through HIM (JESUS) who gives me strength.”
— Philippians 4:11-13

Gratitude is a choice. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already provided. Instead of coveting what others have, we appreciate what’s right in front of us. Gratitude leads to contentment, and contentment leads to peace.

The Mindset of Christ

When we develop an attitude of gratitude, we allow God to work in our hearts. We become humbled by His blessings, realizing that every breath we take is a gift from Him.

The beauty of gratitude is that it aligns our focus with God’s Kingdom. It draws us closer to Him. It helps us to set our minds on eternal things. This focus shifts us away from the temporary struggles of this world.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
— Psalm 118:1

A Grateful Heart is a Game Changer

Living with a grateful heart in Christ Jesus transforms our lives. It strengthens our faith, deepens our relationship with God, and impacts everyone around us. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a spiritual discipline that keeps our hearts humble, joyful, and Kingdom-minded.

So today, ask yourself:
1. Am I using my time to build or destroy?
2. Do I seek God or distractions in difficult moments?
3. How can I cultivate a grateful heart today?

A grateful heart changes everything. Let gratitude be your default posture, and watch how God moves in your life.

Blessings to YOU,

Cassandra Lee

There’s JOY in the journey – nourishing body & soul…

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In These Jars of Clay 30-Day Devotional Journey: https://a.co/d/d1mM5HW

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