The Power of Being Thankful

365 Life Changing Devotions

Joyce Meyer

• Publisher: Hodder Faith
• Year: 2014
• Print ISBN: 9781473625402
• eBook ISBN: 9781444797978
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

In this 365 day devotional New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer explores the life-changing power of a grateful heart. Through uplifting Scripture, Joyce illustrates God's never-ending love, inexhaustible grace and always-accessible presence in our lives. As we develop a renewed outlook, we will better recognize and be further blessed by God's abundant goodness.Each devotion will also include a prayer of thanks, so that we may begin every day ready to receive the transforming power of a thankful heart.

January 1

The Best Way to Begin in Prayer

They are also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening.

1 CHRONICLES 23:30

No matter what we pray for, thanksgiving can always go with it. A good habit to develop is starting all of our prayers with thanksgiving. An example of this would be: “Thank You, Father, for all You have done in my life; You are awesome and I really love and appreciate You.”

I encourage you to examine your life, to pay attention to your thoughts and your words, and to see how much thanksgiving you express. Do you murmur and complain about things or are you thankful?

If you want a challenge, just try to get through an entire day without uttering one word of complaint. Develop an attitude of thanksgiving in every situation. In fact, just become outrageously thankful—and watch as your intimacy with God increases and as He pours out greater blessings than ever before.

Prayer of Thanks

Thank You, Father, for the way You guide me in prayer. Help me to come to You in thanksgiving before I do anything else. Let gratitude be the foundation of my prayer life. I make the decision today to put aside complaining, being thankful in prayer instead.

January 2

Living at Peace

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

JOHN 14:27

Peace is one of the most important elements to enjoying your life.

A life of frustration and struggle, a life without peace, is the result of focusing on things you can’t do anything about. When you worry about things beyond your control, stress and anxiety begin to creep into your life.

The apostle Paul said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV).

Once we realize we are struggling with something and feel upset, we need to start praying and immediately turn the situation over to God, thankful He will provide according to His will and offer us peace. You and I are not called to a life of frustration and struggle. Jesus came so we could have righteousness, joy, and peace!

Prayer of Thanks

Father, I am grateful for peace. It is a wonderful gift that You have given me, and I ask for Your help to always be peaceful in every situation.

January 3

Let Your Light Shine

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

MATTHEW 5:14

As believers in Christ, we can be bubbling over with life. We can be vibrant, alive, active, energized, peaceful, and joy-filled.

It is our approach to God that determines our attitude and countenance. When we approach God with boldness, thankful for His grace and confident that He loves us and He is for us, we can’t help but be full of life. However, a legalistic, religious approach to God steals life. It does not nourish it. Remember, Paul said, “The Law kills, but the Spirit makes alive” (2 Corinthians 3:6). When we follow the Spirit, we feel alive.

Each of us should ask ourselves the question, Would people want what I have by watching my life and looking at my countenance? Is my life reflecting a thankful, expectant heart, excited about what God is going to do each new day?

We are to be the light of the world. Make sure your light is shining brightly today.

Prayer of Thanks

Father, I am thankful that I don’t have to approach You through the law, but I can come boldly to Your throne because of Your amazing grace. Thank You that Your grace and joy brighten my life and allow me to be a light for the world to see.

January 4

Expect Something Good

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

ROMANS 15:13

One of the most powerful forces in the universe is hope. And as a child of God, you can have hope in unlimited measure. That’s something to be thankful for!

Hope is the happy anticipation that something good is going to happen in your life. It’s expecting something good. What are you expecting? Have you even thought about it? If you’re expecting nothing, or if you are expecting just a little bit, you are going to get what you expect.

I always say, “I’d rather believe for a whole lot and get half of it than believe for a little bit and get all of it.”

God wants you to trust Him and have a happy expectation for something good. If you’re in a tough situation today, expect it to change. If you’re in a good situation today, expect it to get even better. God is a God of hope.

Prayer of Thanks

Lord, thank You for the power of hope in my life. Thank You that You are going to do something good, and I can trust You and hope for the best.

January 5

Practice Seeing the Positive

A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

PROVERBS 17:22

I encourage you to be a thankful, positive person. If you aren’t it’s just a matter of forming a new habit.

I was so negative at one time in my life that if I even tried to think two positive thoughts in succession my brain seemed to stop functioning. But now I am very positive and actually don’t enjoy being with people who are negative.

If you have not formed the habit of being positive yet, you can begin today! Put reminders around your house or in your car, little signs that say, “Be positive.” Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you if you are slipping into negativity. Ask your friends to help also. Set aside time during the day to focus on and be thankful for the good things God has blessed you with.

Positive, thankful thoughts don’t happen by accident; you can choose to practice them. And remember, practice makes perfect.

Prayer of Thanks

Thank You, Father, for helping me think positive thoughts. I am grateful that I am not a prisoner to negative thinking and that I can choose to be happy and joy-filled.

January 6

Enjoy the Reward

Men will say, Surely there is a reward for the [uncompromisingly] righteous; surely there is a God Who judges on the earth.

PSALM 58:11

Taking time to enjoy the fruit of your labor is one of the main things that will keep you pressing on in difficult times.

God gave many men and women in the Bible difficult tasks ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Contents
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Introduction
• Epigraph
• January 1: The Best Way to Begin in Prayer
• January 2: Living at Peace
• January 3: Let Your Light Shine
• January 4: Expect Something Good
• January 5: Practice Seeing the Positive
• January 6: Enjoy the Reward
• January 7: The Importance of Right Thinking
• January 8: Keep On Keeping On
• January 9: Discipline and Self-Control
• January 10: Pursuing Peace
• January 11: Taking the Time for Gratitude
• January 12: There Is Always Time for Prayer
• January 13: Living Beyond Your Feelings
• January 14: Waiting Well
• January 15: Getting Along with Difficult People
• January 16: Believing the Best of Others
• January 17: Trusting God
• January 18: Loving Your Life
• January 19: The Bible Teaches Us to Be Thankful
• January 20: Jesus Lived a Life of Thanksgiving
• January 21: A Matter of Focus
• January 22: Giving and Receiving Love
• January 23: Blessed to Be a Blessing
• January 24: Prayer as the First Option, Not the Last Resort
• January 25: Agreeing with God
• January 26: Just Do It
• January 27: Living Amazed
• January 28: Shelter in the Storm
• January 29: Worry or Worship?
• January 30: Joyful in Every Circumstance
• January 31: No More Complaining
• February 1: Keep Life Fresh and Exciting
• February 2: The Key to Self-Acceptance
• February 3: The Warfare of Love
• February 4: Your Shield of Faith
• February 5: The Fast Pace of Life
• February 6: Learning to Cope with Criticism
• February 7: One of the Most Powerful Things You Can Do
• February 8: Attitude of Gratitude
• February 9: A New Level of Commitment
• February 10: Living a Guilt-Free Life
• February 11: Facing Fear Head-On
• February 12: Making Each Day Extraordinary
• February 13: Responding to Encouragement
• February 14: Enjoy the Fruit of Your Labor
• February 15: Grateful for Grace
• February 16: It’s Okay to Be Different
• February 17: Rejoice and Be Glad
• February 18: The Leading of the Holy Spirit
• February 19: Equipped to Meet the Needs of Others
• February 20: Hearing, Receiving, and Obeying God’s Word
• February 21: Making a Trust Confession
• February 22: Something God Responds To
• February 23: Whose Opinion Is Right?
• February 24: The Power of a Simple Prayer
• February 25: Waiting for a Breakthrough
• February 26: The Best Kind of Knowledge
• February 27: Fellowship with the Lord
• February 28: A Confident Person Avoids Comparison
• March 1: A New Nature
• March 2: Living Free of Regret
• March 3: Following God’s Example
• March 4: Stepping Out into New Things
• March 5: Praise, Worship, and Thanksgiving
• March 6: Enjoy the Little Things
• March 7: Thank God for His Mercy
• March 8: Contagious Generosity
• March 9: Start Strong, Finish Well
• March 10: God Loves You and Sees the Good in You
• March 11: Childlike Faith
• March 12: Strength in the Waiting
• March 13: Patience and Wisdom Go Hand in Hand
• March 14: Thankful and Enjoying Today
• March 15: True Prosperity
• March 16: Reach Your Full Potential
• March 17: You Are Christ’s Ambassador
• March 18: Resting in God
• March 19: With all Your Heart
• March 20: Life Is a Journey
• March 21: Grateful and Aware of God’s Love
• March 22: Harmony’s Sweet Sound
• March 23: The Greatest of These Is Love
• March 24: Refuse to Live in Fear
• March 25: Letting God Have Control
• March 26: Dealing with Unresolved Issues
• March 27: Invest in Your Healing
• March 28: The Power of Praise and Prayer
• March 29: Staying Power
• March 30: Determined to Overcome
• March 31: Join the Party
• April 1: More Than Partially Forgiven … Completely Forgiven
• April 2: Living with Confidence
• April 3: Rejoicing in Progress
• April 4: The Power of Doing Good
• April 5: A Natural Expression of Thanksgiving
• April 6: Receiving God’s Love
• April 7: The Source of Happiness
• April 8: God Says, “I Will Be with You”
• April 9: Access to God
• April 10: Love Shows Respect
• April 11: Overcome Evil with Good
• April 12: The Way God Created You to Pray
• April 13: You Don’t Have to Defend Yourself
• April 14: Fuel for Even Greater Determination
• April 15: Created for a Purpose
• April 16: Thankful for Peace
• April 17: Being Who God Created You to Be
• April 18: The Source of Your Confidence
• April 19: It’s Never Too Late
• April 20: Set a Goal to Enjoy Every Part of Your Day
• April 21: Overlooked Blessings
• April 22: Be Positive
• April 23: A Perfect Heart
• April 24: Loving People, Trusting God
• April 25: Equipped for Joy
• April 26: What Do You Think About Yourself?
• April 27: Celebrate Change
• April 28: The Best Way to Live
• April 29: Dealing with Emotional Pain
• April 30: Living in God’s Grace
• May 1: Look How Far You’ve Come
• May 2: Blessing Those Around You
• May 3: A Key to Effective Prayer
• May 4: You Can Be as Close to God as You Want to Be
• May 5: Burden-Free Living
• May 6: The Gift of Right Now
• May 7: What Choice Will You Make?
• May 8: The Spirit of a Conqueror
• May 9: You Are Free from Your Past
• May 10: Victory over Dread
• May 11: Praising God all Day Long
• May 12: Jesus Showed Us the Way
• May 13: God Leads Us One Step at a Time
• May 14: An Act of Love Endures Forever
• May 15: Enjoying Harmonious and Peaceful Relationships
• May 16: God’s Word Affects Every Area of Our Lives
• May 17: Thankful for all God Has Done
• May 18: Today Is a Perfect Day to Bless Others
• May 19: Righteousness in Christ
• May 20: Holding on to Hope
• May 21: Recognize Your Enemy
• May 22: Relationship vs. Religion
• May 23: When There Seems to Be No Way
• May 24: Love Never Gives Up
• May 25: How to Reach Your God-Given Goals
• May 26: A Time to Remember
• May 27: Seek the Giver, Not the Gift
• May 28: God Wants to Bless You
• May 29: Praying Bold, Confident Prayers
• May 30: Draw Near to God
• May 31: Thankful to Be Free from Confusion
• June 1: A Life of Adventure
• June 2: Be Assured of God’s Love for You
• June 3: Mighty to Save
• June 4: Following God’s Lead
• June 5: Safe and Secure
• June 6: Developing the Habit of Being Thankful
• June 7: God Will Never Stop Loving You
• June 8: Enjoying People
• June 9: The Beautiful Truth
• June 10: How to Enjoy a Peaceful Life
• June 11: Disappointed? Get Reappointed
• June 12: God Is Your Reward
• June 13: It’s Wise to Take a Break
• June 14: Know Who You Are
• June 15: Count the Cost
• June 16: God’s Mercy Is New Every Day
• June 17: Stable People Get Promoted
• June 18: A Deeper Level of Prayer
• June 19: No Longer a Victim
• June 20: Our Thoughts Affect Our Attitude
• June 21: Love Displays Patience
• June 22: Because He Lives
• June 23: He’s Done It Before, He Can Do It Again
• June 24: God Does Not Forget You
• June 25: The Value of Self-Control
• June 26: Your Emotions Don’t Have a Vote
• June 27: Getting the Most Out of Your Marriage
• June 28: Let Peace Lead the Way
• June 29: Are You Distracted or Determined?
• June 30: The Beauty of Praise
• July 1: Jesus Was Perfect for You
• July 2: Growing in Maturity
• July 3: God Is Good … all the Time
• July 4: The Apostle Paul’s Thanksgiving List
• July 5: A Contented Heart Is a Grateful Heart
• July 6: God Meets all Your Needs Abundantly
• July 7: Turning Any Situation Around for Good
• July 8: The Heart of an Eagle
• July 9: Prayer Doesn’t Have to Be Long
• July 10: The Awesome Power of God
• July 11: Listening When God Speaks
• July 12: A Beautiful Exchange
• July 13: God Can Use the Most Unlikely of People
• July 14: Everybody Can Help Somebody
• July 15: Keep Moving Forward
• July 16: Stronger and Stronger in the Lord
• July 17: Grace and Thankfulness
• July 18: The Opportunity to Show His Power
• July 19: Quick to Forgive
• July 20: Accept Your Children for Who They Are
• July 21: Change and Transition
• July 22: Following God One Step at a Time
• July 23: Words Are Fuel for Emotions
• July 24: Thankful for the Process of Transformation
• July 25: God Has Good Things for You
• July 26: Failure or Stepping-Stone?
• July 27: Developing Godly Courage
• July 28: Getting Off the Performance Treadmill
• July 29: Taking a Peace Inventory
• July 30: The Gift of Repentance
• July 31: Let God Change You
• August 1: The Power of Laughter
• August 2: God Cares for You
• August 3: Get Ready to Get Involved
• August 4: The Wonder of God’s Mercy
• August 5: Don’t Get Stuck in a Moment
• August 6: Your Perfect Heavenly Father
• August 7: Made to Encourage Others
• August 8: Wisdom and Revelation
• August 9: More Than Things
• August 10: Releasing the Weight of Worry
• August 11: Winning the Battle of the Mind
• August 12: God Leads Us by Peace
• August 13: Learning to Expect God’s Goodness
• August 14: Expressing the Unconditional Love of God
• August 15: Prayer Is Just Like Breathing
• August 16: The One with You Is Greater
• August 17: Grace, Grace, and More Grace
• August 18: How to Experience Real Change
• August 19: Finding God’s Will
• August 20: Joy with Each New Step
• August 21: The Best Relationship You Can Have
• August 22: Secure Enough to Say “No”
• August 23: Developing Great Faith
• August 24: What Does the Bible Say About It?
• August 25: The Best Kind of Friends
• August 26: The Gratitude That Comes with Grace
• August 27: Let Your Light Shine
• August 28: But What if I Miss God?
• August 29: The Strength to Deal with Change
• August 30: Praying a “Right Now” Prayer
• August 31: Humbly Leaning on the Lord
• September 1: Laying Down Your Life
• September 2: Going Through Is Better Than Getting Stuck
• September 3: The Expectation of Joy
• September 4: Exercising the Muscle of Self-Control
• September 5: Talk Yourself into a Better Mood
• September 6: The First Step in Planning
• September 7: Refusing to Strike Out
• September 8: Standing Firm
• September 9: Strength and Weakness
• September 10: Don’t Get Distracted, Simply Pray
• September 11: The Resurrection Side of the Cross
• September 12: Happiest When Helping
• September 13: God Is in Love with You
• September 14: A Believing Heart Is a Thankful Heart
• September 15: Choosing Your Words Carefully
• September 16: Desire Unity
• September 17: Carried in His Arms
• September 18: An Attitude of Obedience
• September 19: Separating Your “Who” from Your “Do”
• September 20: The Best Friend You’ll Ever Have
• September 21: Let God In
• September 22: Refuse to Be Offended
• September 23: It’s Impossible for Love to Fail
• September 24: Don’t Worry About the Future
• September 25: God’s Faithful Provision
• September 26: Keep Doing What Is Right
• September 27: The Free Gift of God’s Love
• September 28: Faith over Fear
• September 29: Love Isn’t Always Convenient
• September 30: Simplicity and Decisions
• October 1: Having a Childlike Approach to Life
• October 2: Strengthened Through Praise
• October 3: Partnering with God
• October 4: Shine On!
• October 5: The Trap of Ingratitude
• October 6: Great Expectations
• October 7: Staying in Peace
• October 8: God’s Way Is Always Better
• October 9: You Have the Mind of Christ
• October 10: Fickle Feelings
• October 11: Condemnation or Conviction
• October 12: The Wonderful Person God Says You Are
• October 13: Pray Without Ceasing
• October 14: Thankful for God’s Correction
• October 15: Will I Have Enough?
• October 16: Sowing Seeds of Victory
• October 17: Victory Is Worth the Cost
• October 18: Thankful for Revelation from God
• October 19: Jesus Understands Your Weaknesses
• October 20: The Beauty of the New Covenant
• October 21: When You Give God Your Best
• October 22: Are You Disappointed with God?
• October 23: Faithful to Forgive
• October 24: Your Unique Prayer
• October 25: Believing You Are a Disciplined Person
• October 26: When It’s Time for Something New
• October 27: The Joy of Spiritual Growth
• October 28: Just Believe
• October 29: Say “Yes” to What Is Really Important
• October 30: Conflict-Free Relationships
• October 31: You Are Invited to a “Come as You Are” Party
• November 1: Receiving an Inheritance
• November 2: Doing Something Great with Your Life
• November 3: Becoming Good at Trusting God
• November 4: What We Know (Part 1)
• November 5: What We Know (Part 2)
• November 6: God Will Never Give Up on You
• November 7: Listening for His Voice
• November 8: You Are the Home of God
• November 9: Anger vs. Love
• November 10: Honest and Heartfelt Prayers
• November 11: Thankful for the Power of Prayer
• November 12: The Little Things Are Important Too
• November 13: Following God’s Direction
• November 14: Anytime, Anywhere Prayer
• November 15: God Thinks You Are Amazing
• November 16: Every Day Is Thanksgiving
• November 17: Sometimes Love Is Just Being Friendly
• November 18: Respect and Value Yourself
• November 19: Stress-Free Relationships
• November 20: Living in the Present … and Loving It
• November 21: Boldly Facing Any New Challenge
• November 22: Are You Plugged In?
• November 23: Praying, Saying, and Doing
• November 24: Looking at the Whole Picture
• November 25: Let God Help You
• November 26: Changing the World Around You
• November 27: Joy Is a Decision
• November 28: Choosing Positive Thinking
• November 29: Discovering Your Destiny
• November 30: New Beginnings
• December 1: Recovering from Pain
• December 2: The Power of Planting Seed
• December 3: Choose Your Battles
• December 4: Two Kinds of Love
• December 5: The Importance of Faith
• December 6: Ready for Battle
• December 7: The Word of God Is a Powerful Weapon
• December 8: Making a Thankful List
• December 9: Four Keys to Success
• December 10: Don’t Sell Yourself Short
• December 11: Dare to Dream Big Dreams for God
• December 12: Investing in Your Dream
• December 13: Purity Leads to Power
• December 14: What Is Real Success?
• December 15: The Best Deal Ever
• December 16: The Peace That Comes with Being Content
• December 17: Celebrating Life, Celebrating God
• December 18: Testimony Begins with T-E-S-T
• December 19: You Get to Decide
• December 20: What Does the Future Hold?
• December 21: Choose to Bless the Lord at all Times
• December 22: The Awesome Power of God Within You
• December 23: Don’t Be Afraid of What People Think
• December 24: You Can Be Confident
• December 25: Courageous People Wanted
• December 26: Jesus’ Prayer for You
• December 27: Living a Balanced Life
• December 28: Putting God First
• December 29: Faith, Gratitude, and Rest
• December 30: The Waste of Worry
• December 31: Do Yourself a Favor
• Footnote
• About the Author
• Joyce Meyer Ministries U.S. & Foreign Office Addresses
• Also by Joyce Meyer