Embracing the Power of Gratitude - Encouragement for Today - October 20, 2026
Encouragement for Today
Audio By Carbonatix
Crosswalk.com
October 20, 2026
Embracing the Power of Gratitude
Stu Epperson Jr.
Author of Thanks-Living
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV).
The pastor looked at my mom and quietly asked, “How are you doing?” She had just lost her husband of six decades.
I expected tears. Instead she smiled through them and said, “All I can say is that I’m deeply grateful to God for the 60 amazing years He allowed me to be married to my husband.” I’ll never forget those words.
If I’m honest, I don’t naturally think that way. Gratitude comes easily for me when life is going well. I don’t have to remind myself to thank God after experiencing answered prayers, good news, or joyful moments. But when life hurts? That’s a different story.
Maybe you know that feeling too. Perhaps today you’re carrying grief, uncertainty, disappointment, or a burden that no one else can see. In seasons like that, gratitude can feel impossible.
That’s why I repeatedly come back to 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I used to read that verse and wonder how anyone could actually live it. Then I noticed something that changed my perspective: God doesn’t tell us to give thanks for every circumstance. He tells us to give thanks in every circumstance. There’s a difference.
God isn’t asking us to pretend pain isn’t painful. He invites us to bring our honest hearts to Him while remembering His goodness never changes.
I know that’s easier to read than it is to live. There are still days when my heart wants answers more than gratitude. Days when I’d rather ask God, Why? than whisper, Thank You.
But Scripture reminds us that God has never been afraid of honest prayers. David poured out his fears. Job brought his questions. Even Jesus wept.
Faith doesn’t ignore pain. It brings pain into the presence of God.
The greatest evidence of God’s goodness isn’t found in an easy life. It’s found in Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, we have hope that reaches beyond today’s circumstances. Because of Him, gratitude always has somewhere to stand.
You may not be able to thank God for what you’re facing today. But you can thank Him for who He is.
Gratitude isn’t pretending life is good. It’s remembering God is still good.
His love hasn’t changed. His faithfulness hasn’t wavered. His presence has never left you.
Sometimes that’s the first step toward moving from thanksgiving to experiencing a life of thanks-living — one grateful day at a time.
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your goodness never changes, even when my circumstances do. Help me trust You when life feels uncertain. Remind me that I always have reason to be grateful because of who You are, not simply because of what I see. Thank You for never leaving me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
If today's devotion encouraged you and you're longing to cultivate a deeper, more resilient gratitude, Thanks-Living: Embracing the Power of Gratitude Every Day by Stu Epperson Jr. will help you discover how thanksgiving can become more than a holiday tradition — it can become a daily way of life rooted in God's presence, bringing hope and joy in every season.
ENGAGE
Connect with Stu Epperson Jr. on his website or Instagram for more biblical encouragement and resources.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (KJV).
Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (KJV).
What circumstance are you carrying today that makes gratitude feel difficult? What is one truth about God’s character you can thank Him for, even in the middle of that situation?
How could remembering God’s goodness change the way you walk through this season today? Share with us in the comments!
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
