Pause: A Month of Gratitude in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

Prompt

Over the past decade-plus of my sobriety, I’ve told my story literally thousands of times.

Would you believe me when I tell you that I think I get more out of it than the people who hear it? It’s true!

Each time I share my heart vulnerably and transparently, I walk away incredibly grateful for everything I’ve been through. It’s human nature! The more you share your pain, your struggles, and the hard things you’ve lived through, the more grateful you find yourself for the life you’re living TODAY.

And this is true regardless of whether your story has been resolved or not.

When you share your heart with a safe person or safe crowd, you will always walk away more rooted in gratitude than you did before. I’m proof—thousands of times and counting.

Prod

Spend time thanking God for your story. Thank Him for everything He has done and allowed to bring you to this place today. Then think about a safe person in your life you can tell your story to… and tell it!

Praise

Listen to “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake

Pray

Jesus, thank you so incredibly much for the gift of my story. Even though it doesn’t look perfect and it was tough for me to live out, I know you’ve been with me every step of the way and that you are glorified through the story of my life. Help me to be grateful for every part of it. Amen.