#Blessed

Read

James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Think

When we scroll through social media, we’re used to seeing the #blessed hashtag attached to snapshots of life’s highlights—a new car, a beautiful vacation, a perfectly plated meal. We often reserve “blessed” for the best moments, the times we want to celebrate and share. But in reality, thanksgiving goes much deeper than a momentary high. True thanksgiving is about learning to see God's blessings in every corner of our lives, not just in the good times. It’s about recognizing his presence and care, even in the moments we might otherwise overlook.

The Bible reveals that being “blessed” isn’t tied to our circumstances but to our relationship with God. Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This verse doesn’t gloss over life’s hard moments, and it doesn’t tell us to ignore pain. Instead, it invites us to shift our perspective, to see every season—good and bad—as a place where God’s love and faithfulness are present. Gratitude can draw us out of entitlement and toward the depths of God’s grace, helping us to see his hand even when life feels far from perfect.

When we live with a thankful heart, we start to experience life differently. Thanksgiving isn’t just a response to the “good stuff,” but a radical choice to trust that God is working in the details, the struggles, and the waiting. We may not always feel blessed in the moment, but thankfulness grounds us in a truth greater than our feelings—that God is with us. And the amazing thing? Gratitude has a way of shifting our gaze from what we lack to the abundance of what God has already provided, including his steadfast love and peace.

Today, let’s redefine #blessed. Let’s challenge ourselves to look for God’s presence in the unfiltered parts of life, in the places where we’re tempted to see only the mess or the mundane. What if we thanked him for the little things—breath in our lungs, the kindness of a friend, the strength to face another day? Real thanksgiving isn’t limited to the picture-perfect; it’s about finding purpose, joy, and the presence of God in every season, knowing that with him, we are always blessed.

Apply

Memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:18. “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Pray

Lord, thank you for every gift you’ve given me, from the big blessings to the ones I often overlook. Help me to see your presence in every moment, not just the perfect ones. Teach me to be grateful, even in hard times, and remind me that true thanksgiving isn’t based on my circumstances but on you, and you never change. In Jesus’ name. Amen.