Process
For the last month, I’ve started my mornings reading one Chapter of Proverbs and journaling my thankfulness about something good happening my life. I call it my ‘Radical Gratitude’ journal. I’ve enjoyed this so much, I now begin each journal entry with a thankful tribute to God.
After making thankfulness a part of my daily practice, I noticed a shift. Depression lost its grip, and I was able to recognize more of God’s grace, which morphed into an increase of peace and spontaneous smiles. It’s really a matter of perspective as the world is always calling us to do more, be more and have more. Ironically, the fullness of life is not in the ‘more’, it is enjoying the now and staying thankful and present in the moments and blessings God has already bestowed.
Below, I share simple yet powerful journal prompts to help you experience the power of thankfulness. Let your own grateful heart light the path of your days. Not only is this crucial for you but for the impact God desires to make in this world.
Journal Prompt:
- Thank the Lord by zeroing your focus on the good, not the bad.
- For example, if you struggle with health issues, thank God for preserving your body thus far. Praise Him you haven’t lost your hair, your mind or your family, etc…
- Go into deep detail about WHY you’re so grateful.
*If you are having trouble finding where to start, begin small.
- Thank God for providing food, water and shelter. Detail the good in these things. For example: I love my cozy blanket because it keeps me warm and gives me comfort.
- If you are praying for health and haven’t experienced it yet, thank God for sending people your way who have been healed. Not only does this give you hope to keep praying for your breakthrough but you can join in the celebration of another. This journal does NOT have to be all about you.
“Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the great sacrifice Jesus made at the cross. I want to live worthy of this.
Lord, when my heart focuses on what is going wrong, I’m unable to see what is right.
Forgive me for taking my eyes off you.
When I’m unable to see your possibilities, bless my heart to trust.
Give me wisdom and discernment on what responsibilities are mine to carry and what I must leave at the feet of your cross.
Fill my heart with humility, gratefulness and great expectation for the plans you have for me. I dedicate these next thirty days to focusing on your goodness and mercy. Highlight the ways you’ve been showing up where I’ve been missing it.
In Jesus’ name, let everything I do, lead me back to you. Amen.”
