Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.
The Struggle to Please
One of the things many of us struggle with in life is pleasing people—let alone pleasing God. A friend once told me, “We can disagree all we like, but we are all people-pleasers to a certain degree.”
That’s one of life’s ongoing battles. We long for acceptance, for others to see our efforts and value what we do. Yet, when it comes to pleasing God, that is what we were created for (Revelation 4:11). Still, we often find ourselves in situations that make it difficult to truly live in a way that pleases Him.
The Redirecting Power of Gratitude
One of the simplest and most powerful ways to realign our hearts with God’s purpose is through gratitude.
Think about it: when a struggling parent receives sincere thanks from their child—a simple “thank you” that says your efforts are seen, your love is felt, and your giving is enough—their heart softens and their joy is renewed.
Now imagine what a grateful heart does to our Father in heaven. When we thank Him sincerely—not only for the big things but also for the small, everyday mercies—we bring delight to His heart. Gratitude turns our focus from striving to pleasing, from performance to presence.
Isaiah 12:4 (ESV): And you will say in that day, “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Make Gratitude an Everyday Practice
Can we make this our daily habit? Often, we wait for “big days” or visible breakthroughs before expressing gratitude. But who said we must wait?
Who said we can’t make known His deeds among our family, friends, co-workers, or community today?
Who said we can’t proclaim that His name is exalted right now—simply because He is worthy every day?
A truly grateful heart is not a once-off reaction or a seasonal feeling. It is a lifestyle—a daily rhythm that pleases God.
Takeaway for the Week
As this week comes to an end, take a quiet moment at home.
Write down the things you’re grateful for—big or small.
It’s your list; no one else can tell you what belongs there.
Let your gratitude rise like worship,
and let your heart rest in the joy of pleasing God.
Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Ameni!