By Ginny Jensen
Shelter in place, quarantine, and stay at home are words heard repeatedly these days. For many, it feels like a prison sentence; others feel imposed upon and inconvenienced. As believers, these times can draw us closer to the Lord or disrupt all spiritual practices leaving us drifting away.
This feeling of being in captivity and isolation are not new. Over the centuries, others have experienced the same feeling during plagues, slavery, imprisonment, or exile. Bible stories we know and love give us examples of thriving in such difficult situations. Some early church fathers even chose a life of isolation to focus on the Lord.
If you want to see an example of someone thriving while sheltering in place, visit Paul’s epistles. As you read them, you will see a consistent theme. Paul was thankful! Paul practiced gratitude even as he sat in chains. He often thanked the Lord for people and the amazing gifts given to him.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward
Gratitude generates a change in your brain, allowing you to keep perspective. During this time, how is your gratitude quotient?
Add the practice of giving thanks to your daily routine. It will make you more mindful of the Lord’s presence and change your perspective.
- Keeping a journal of your thanksgivings will provide a record of His goodness, His mercy, and His unfailing love.
- Writing a thank you note to someone will leave you feeling content, and they will be blessed in receiving it.
- As a family, start a gratitude jar.
Have you practiced your gratitude today?
“Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of this day. Thank you for those who have invested in my life. I gratefully receive your gifts of grace, mercy, and love. Amen.”
Shelter in Place Devotional Series: