Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Healing Power of Thankful Hearts

Bible Reading: :Luke 17:11–19

Key verse:  

“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.” — Luke 17:15

DEVOTION

A thankful heart does not come from having a perfect life. It comes from knowing that God is close, even when life feels heavy. Thankfulness does not erase our pain, but it helps us see the ways God is working in the middle of it. When we choose to thank God for His presence, His promises, and His care, something inside us begins to heal. Fear slowly becomes smaller, joy grows stronger, and our hearts become lighter.
In the St. Luke’s Gospel, ten lepers cry out and all ten are healed. Yet only one returns to give thanks. That one man sees something the others missed: healing is not complete until gratitude draws us back to God who has healed us. Jesus tells him, “Your faith has made you well.” His thankful heart led him straight back to the presence of Jesus.
Gratitude does the same for us. It slows us down and helps us breathe. It helps us notice God’s healing hand guiding us through life’s challenges: stress, worry, anger, and disappointment etc. 
We must remember a thankful heart becomes a peaceful heart full of hope in Christ.
And just as Jesus walked with the hurting and broken in this passage, He walks with us now. In every season, through every problem, in every step, God is here. A thankful heart helps us see Him more clearly.

 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for being near me every day. Heal my heart with Your peace and help me stay thankful in all things. Draw me close to You and guide me today. Amen.

Thought for the DAY

 Thank you God for your patience in the face of my most persistent and intractable fears, and for reminding me that even when my eyes are clouded you are there.

     Riya Varughese (St. Andrews MTC, Yonkers, NY)

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