Scripture Highlight :"I thank you, YHWH, for your goodness! Your love is everlasting!" —Psalm 136:1
Reflection: Today, we start a journey of daily gratitude by creating a gratitude jar or journal. Our scripture reminds us of God’s unchanging goodness and steadfast love, which endures beyond our circumstances and emotions. Gratitude helps us focus on these qualities, drawing us closer to God and grounding us in the certainty of divine love and care.
This practice of giving thanks is an invitation to notice the blessings we might otherwise overlook in our daily lives. Each day as you place a note in your jar or add an entry in your journal, pause to reflect on what the Holy One has done for you. Each note of gratitude becomes a tangible reminder of God’s faithful presence.
We know that gratitude comes in many forms and meets us wherever we are on our journey. Your entries can range from the smallest moment of peace to a beautiful act of kindness you experienced, from the warmth of a friend’s smile to the love in our community. Each gratitude you record contributes to a sacred tapestry of thankfulness that we are creating together.
Scripture Study: Let’s look deeper at Psalm 136, often referred to as a "Hallel Psalm," or a song of praise, intended to recount and remember God’s acts of love and liberation. If you have time, read through the full chapter.
Throughout this psalm, the refrain, "God’s love endures forever," serves as a reminder of God’s everlasting kindness.
As we start our gratitude jars or journals, let’s consider how each gratitude note is like an entry in a personal psalm. This “psalm” we’re creating over the next 30 days will be a unique record of God’s love at work in our lives, full of memories of grace, resilience, and hope.
Reflection Questions:
What are some ways you’ve seen God’s goodness endure in your life?
What small, everyday blessings do you often overlook? How might recording them in your journal bring you new awareness?
Who or what reminds you of God’s goodness? Consider how you might express your gratitude for that person or experience today.
Prayer: Gracious and loving God, thank You for the gift of Your endless love and faithfulness. As I begin this gratitude practice, open my heart and mind to notice Your blessings in every corner of my life. Teach me to be mindful and to share these moments of gratitude with others, knowing that thankfulness draws me closer to You and builds up our community. Amen.
Call to Action: We invite you to share your gratitude jars or journals with us! Leave a comment / picture below with where you’re placing yours to remember to add to it each day, whether it’s on your desk, by your bedside, or in a visible spot at home. Let’s inspire each other and build a community of thankfulness!
Our jar is sitting on our kitchen counter where we can see it as a reminder to add to it each day. (: