Have you ever taken a moment of your day to stop and acknowledge the work God is doing in and around you? In the busyness of life, I often lose sight of all that God has done and continues to do daily. Perhaps this is why I gravitate toward Paul’s letters in the Bible. He begins most of his letters with expressions of thanks for those he is writing to, but also for the work they are doing in Christ. He acknowledges Jesus as the source of every good work, which then leads to thanksgiving and praise.

As we have seen before, Paul was often in challenging situations when writing these letters. But even then, he shifts His focus from that to the privilege of being part of God’s work, and the importance of motivating others to do the same. His ability to see the work of God in everything produced a great sense of thanksgiving in his heart. His own life was testimony to the changing power of God, which was reason enough to be thankful. This attitude of thanksgiving allowed him to “count it all joy” when he faced trials, and we see this consistently in his letters.

Focusing on the busyness of life brings worry and stress. However, focusing on God’s work around us with a thankful heart produces peace and joy. Let us also take a moment to notice those who are faithfully doing the Lord’s work and be a source of encouragement and motivation to them as well. There is much work to be done, but so much that is already being done as well, so let us never fail to thank God for it all.

Suggested prayer:  Dear God, thank you for all that you have done in my life, and all that you continue to do. I have made mistakes and fall short of your glory but, in Jesus, I am redeemed and forgiven. You have made me usable and given me a purpose far greater than what I could have imagined. Help me, like Paul, to have an attitude of thanksgiving in all circumstances. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Romans 1:8 (TLB).