A 5-day devotional based on the sermon "Being Thankful When It's Tough" by Pastor Steve Barrett on 11/23/2025
Day 1: The Call to Rejoice Always
Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Devotional:
Paul's command to "rejoice always" seems impossible when facing life's storms. Yet throughout Scripture, joy is consistently paired with suffering. This supernatural joy doesn't deny our pain but transcends it. When we fix our eyes on Jesus and remember that our earthly struggles are temporary, we discover a joy that circumstances cannot steal. This isn't about pretending everything is fine—it's about choosing to see God's presence even in darkness. Today, identify one difficult situation in your life. Instead of asking "Why me?" ask "Where are You, God?" His presence transforms our perspective. Joy is indeed a choice, and that choice determines how high we'll soar above our circumstances.
Day 2: The Ministry of Presence
Reading: Galatians 6:1-5
Devotional:
The church is called to admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, and help the weak. This isn't optional—it's essential kingdom work. When we link arms with those struggling, we become Christ's hands and feet. Consider the profound truth that those who smell like the streets can become an "aroma from heaven" when we see them through God's eyes. We're not called to fix everyone or judge their circumstances, but simply to be present. Who in your life needs encouragement today? Perhaps someone is faint-hearted, carrying burdens you cannot see. Make the intentional choice to reach out—send a text, make a call, or sit with someone in their struggle. Your presence might be the very thing that helps them find hope.
Day 3: Praying Without Ceasing
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Devotional:
God wants to hear from you—not just in crisis, but in every moment. The Creator of the universe waits eagerly for your voice, like a loving Father anticipating his child's call. Praying without ceasing doesn't mean constant verbal prayer; it means maintaining a reverent awareness of God's presence throughout your day. When you walk in this constant communion, prayer becomes as natural as breathing. You celebrate victories with Him, process disappointments with Him, and recognize His fingerprints in the small blessings others might overlook. Today, practice living in God's presence. As you drive, work, or rest, acknowledge His nearness. Thank Him for the small things—a kind word, a warm meal, a moment of peace. These aren't insignificant; they're evidence of His constant care.
Day 4: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
Reading: Romans 8:28-39
Devotional:
Giving thanks when life is hard feels counterintuitive, even impossible. Yet this practice transforms us because it requires trusting that God is sovereign over all things—even our suffering. When we thank God in difficulty, we're not thanking Him for the pain itself, but acknowledging that He can work through it for our ultimate good. This attitude is always a work in progress; our natural tendency is to complain and grouse. But when we stack up all the small blessings—the countless ways God shows up daily—our troubles seem less overwhelming. Create a gratitude list today. Include the tiny things: a stranger's smile, a child's laughter, the ability to take a deep breath. Watch how these "insignificant" blessings accumulate into undeniable evidence of God's goodness.
Day 5: Walking in the Light
Reading: 1 John 1:5-7
Devotional:
Darkness cannot comprehend the light, yet light always overcomes darkness. The sermon's image of eyes peering from beneath the pier, too afraid to emerge into the light, reveals a spiritual truth: many remain trapped in darkness not because light isn't available, but because they fear it. As Christ-followers, we're called to carry His light into dark places—whether that's Mardi Gras streets, broken relationships, or our own hidden struggles. Where is God calling you to shine His light? Perhaps it's in your workplace, your neighborhood, or within your own family. Don't underestimate the power of simply being present where darkness dwells. Your faithful witness, your willingness to step into uncomfortable places, might be exactly what someone needs to finally step into the light. Be bold.
Day 1: The Call to Rejoice Always
Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Devotional:
Paul's command to "rejoice always" seems impossible when facing life's storms. Yet throughout Scripture, joy is consistently paired with suffering. This supernatural joy doesn't deny our pain but transcends it. When we fix our eyes on Jesus and remember that our earthly struggles are temporary, we discover a joy that circumstances cannot steal. This isn't about pretending everything is fine—it's about choosing to see God's presence even in darkness. Today, identify one difficult situation in your life. Instead of asking "Why me?" ask "Where are You, God?" His presence transforms our perspective. Joy is indeed a choice, and that choice determines how high we'll soar above our circumstances.
Day 2: The Ministry of Presence
Reading: Galatians 6:1-5
Devotional:
The church is called to admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, and help the weak. This isn't optional—it's essential kingdom work. When we link arms with those struggling, we become Christ's hands and feet. Consider the profound truth that those who smell like the streets can become an "aroma from heaven" when we see them through God's eyes. We're not called to fix everyone or judge their circumstances, but simply to be present. Who in your life needs encouragement today? Perhaps someone is faint-hearted, carrying burdens you cannot see. Make the intentional choice to reach out—send a text, make a call, or sit with someone in their struggle. Your presence might be the very thing that helps them find hope.
Day 3: Praying Without Ceasing
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Devotional:
God wants to hear from you—not just in crisis, but in every moment. The Creator of the universe waits eagerly for your voice, like a loving Father anticipating his child's call. Praying without ceasing doesn't mean constant verbal prayer; it means maintaining a reverent awareness of God's presence throughout your day. When you walk in this constant communion, prayer becomes as natural as breathing. You celebrate victories with Him, process disappointments with Him, and recognize His fingerprints in the small blessings others might overlook. Today, practice living in God's presence. As you drive, work, or rest, acknowledge His nearness. Thank Him for the small things—a kind word, a warm meal, a moment of peace. These aren't insignificant; they're evidence of His constant care.
Day 4: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
Reading: Romans 8:28-39
Devotional:
Giving thanks when life is hard feels counterintuitive, even impossible. Yet this practice transforms us because it requires trusting that God is sovereign over all things—even our suffering. When we thank God in difficulty, we're not thanking Him for the pain itself, but acknowledging that He can work through it for our ultimate good. This attitude is always a work in progress; our natural tendency is to complain and grouse. But when we stack up all the small blessings—the countless ways God shows up daily—our troubles seem less overwhelming. Create a gratitude list today. Include the tiny things: a stranger's smile, a child's laughter, the ability to take a deep breath. Watch how these "insignificant" blessings accumulate into undeniable evidence of God's goodness.
Day 5: Walking in the Light
Reading: 1 John 1:5-7
Devotional:
Darkness cannot comprehend the light, yet light always overcomes darkness. The sermon's image of eyes peering from beneath the pier, too afraid to emerge into the light, reveals a spiritual truth: many remain trapped in darkness not because light isn't available, but because they fear it. As Christ-followers, we're called to carry His light into dark places—whether that's Mardi Gras streets, broken relationships, or our own hidden struggles. Where is God calling you to shine His light? Perhaps it's in your workplace, your neighborhood, or within your own family. Don't underestimate the power of simply being present where darkness dwells. Your faithful witness, your willingness to step into uncomfortable places, might be exactly what someone needs to finally step into the light. Be bold.