“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
- Psalm 107:1
Have you ever found yourself in a season of negativity? Maybe you’ve been complaining and struggling with life. Perhaps you are comparing yourself to someone else or hurting over another’s unkind actions towards you. You roll it over and over in your head, wasting the day, and before you know it, you have yourself in a full-blown tailspin.
Gratitude changes the way we see our lives. It is counterintuitive to what we want to do. When we are upset, it is easier, more comfortable to complain. However, God tells us to be grateful in all circumstances. Paul tells us to count it pure joy when we experience trials of all kinds.
Thankfulness doesn’t mean we pretend everything is perfect or that something awful didn’t happen. It means we're choosing to notice what is still good. You can be grieving and be grateful. You can be struggling and be joyful. You can be waiting and be thankful.
Because gratitude isn't dependent on circumstances, it's a posture of the heart. Sometimes we spend so much time asking God for what we don't have that we forget to thank Him for what we do.
Today, look around and take inventory of what you are grateful for. Maybe it is that you have breath in your lungs, people you love, or a pet who adores you. Maybe it is God's presence or grace, or a friend, or a hot cup of coffee. Make a list and keep a gratitude journal. The more you thank God for, the more your focus shifts. There is always something to thank Him for.
Prayer: Father, thank You. For the big things and the small things. For answered prayers and unanswered ones. For what I understand and what I don't. Teach me to live with a grateful heart in every season. Amen.
With Love,
Sherry Shepherd
Gratitude does not require a perfect season. It begins when we remember that God is good, faithful, and present — even when life feels complicated. Psalm 107:1 invites us to give thanks not because everything is easy, but because the Lord Himself is worthy of our praise.
If gratitude feels distant today, you are not alone. Some seasons make thanksgiving feel tender, and others make it feel hard-earned. Still, there is always something to notice, something to remember, and something to thank God for.
Take a quiet moment to breathe and reflect. Use the journaling prompts below to help you name God’s goodness in this season and to soften your heart toward gratitude.
Journal & Reflect
- What is one thing you can thank God for today?
- Where has God shown His goodness to you recently?
- What makes gratitude difficult for you in this season?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Psalm 107:1 mean?
Psalm 107:1 is a call to give thanks to the Lord because He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. It reminds us that gratitude flows from God’s unchanging character.
Can I still be grateful in a hard season?
Yes. Gratitude in hard seasons does not deny pain — it simply chooses to notice God’s goodness alongside it. Even in struggle, there are often signs of His presence and care.
Why is gratitude important spiritually?
Gratitude helps re-center our hearts on God instead of our circumstances. It softens worry, strengthens trust, and reminds us that He has been faithful before and will be faithful again.
What if I don’t feel thankful?
Start small. Gratitude can begin with one honest sentence: “Lord, thank You for…” As you practice noticing His goodness, your heart may begin to shift gently over time.
Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for Your goodness and Your steadfast love. Teach me to give thanks not only in easy seasons, but in every season. Open my eyes to the blessings I may be overlooking and soften my heart to recognize Your presence. Help gratitude grow in me, even when life feels heavy. You are worthy of praise always.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Message from Kara
Gratitude can feel simple when life is easy, but it can feel much more tender when life is hard. I know there are seasons when thankfulness comes slowly, almost reluctantly, because your heart is carrying so much. If that’s where you are, I want to remind you that God does not ask for perfect words — He welcomes a sincere heart.
My prayer is that this devotional helps you see that gratitude is not pretending everything is fine. It is choosing to remember that God is still good, still near, and still working, even here. I hope it gives you a little more peace and a fresh reason to thank Him today.
With Love,
Kara
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Hills & Valleys Personalized Scripture Journal
If you want to grow deeper in your daily life and reflection, these devotionals can help:
Hebrews 3:15 Devotional • Don’t Harden Your Heart
Daily Devotional • Lamentaions 3:40 • Returning To God with Honest Reflection
