As the sun rises each morning, we are given a fresh start—a new day filled with opportunities, challenges, and blessings. But how often do we begin our day with a sense of gratitude, especially gratitude for Jesus? In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work, family, and responsibilities, and forget the incredible gift of life that we’ve been given. Today, I want to encourage you to start your day with gratitude for Jesus and to let that gratitude shape the way you live, the way you love, and the way you experience each moment.
Gratitude is more than just a feeling; it’s a choice, a perspective, and a way of life. It’s about recognizing the blessings we have, even in the midst of challenges, and giving thanks for the grace that sustains us. When we start our day with gratitude, we set the tone for everything that follows. We open our hearts to the presence of Jesus, and we acknowledge that without Him, we are nothing, but with Him, we have everything.
The Bible reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice that it doesn’t say to give thanks only when things are going well or only when we feel like it. It says to give thanks in all circumstances. This means that even when we face difficulties, uncertainties, or disappointments, we are called to be grateful. And this gratitude is not just for the things we have or the situations we’re in; it’s for Jesus Himself—for who He is and for what He has done for us.
Each morning, as we wake up to a new day, we have the opportunity to thank Jesus for His love, His mercy, and His faithfulness. We can thank Him for the breath in our lungs, the beating of our hearts, and the strength to face whatever lies ahead. We can thank Him for the people in our lives, the opportunities we’ve been given, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. But most importantly, we can thank Him for the gift of salvation—the greatest gift of all.
Jesus came to this earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross for our sins. He took our place, bore our punishment, and rose again so that we might have eternal life. This incredible act of love is the foundation of our faith and the source of our deepest gratitude. When we start our day by reflecting on what Jesus has done for us, it changes everything. It reminds us that no matter what we face, we are loved, we are forgiven, and we are never alone.
Starting your day with gratitude for Jesus doesn’t require a grand gesture or a lengthy prayer. It can be as simple as taking a few moments to say, “Thank you, Jesus, for this new day. Thank you for your love, your grace, and your presence in my life.” This simple act of gratitude can shift your focus from the worries and stresses of life to the goodness and faithfulness of God. It can fill your heart with peace, your mind with clarity, and your spirit with joy.
When we start our day with gratitude for Jesus, we are also reminded of His promises. Jesus promised in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” He didn’t come so that we could live in fear, anxiety, or discontentment. He came so that we could live a life full of peace, joy, and purpose. Gratitude helps us to remember and embrace this abundant life that Jesus offers.
But gratitude is not just about what we feel; it’s about how we live. When we are truly grateful for Jesus, it shows in our actions, our words, and our attitudes. Gratitude leads to generosity—it makes us more willing to give of ourselves, our time, and our resources to others. Gratitude leads to kindness—it makes us more patient, more understanding, and more compassionate. And gratitude leads to humility—it reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God and that we are dependent on His grace every day.
Consider the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. As Jesus was traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee, He met ten men who had leprosy. They stood at a distance and called out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Jesus saw them and told them to go show themselves to the priests. As they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. But only one of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then He said to the man, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude. All ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. The other nine missed the opportunity to express their gratitude and to experience the fullness of what Jesus had done for them. When we start our day with gratitude for Jesus, we are like the one leper who returned—we are acknowledging the blessings we’ve received and giving honor to the One who has blessed us.
Gratitude also has the power to transform our perspective. When we focus on what we’re grateful for, it shifts our attention away from what we lack to what we have. It helps us to see the good in our lives, even when things aren’t perfect. It reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). This doesn’t mean that we ignore the challenges we face, but it does mean that we approach them with a heart full of gratitude and a faith that trusts in Jesus’ provision.
Starting your day with gratitude for Jesus can also deepen your relationship with Him. Gratitude draws us closer to the heart of God. It opens our eyes to His goodness and His faithfulness, and it helps us to see His hand at work in our lives. When we are grateful, we are more aware of His presence, more attuned to His voice, and more responsive to His leading. Gratitude helps us to walk in step with Jesus, to align our hearts with His, and to live in the fullness of His love.
As you start your day with gratitude for Jesus, I encourage you to also express that gratitude to others. Let the gratitude you feel in your heart overflow into your relationships, your work, and your interactions with those around you. Be quick to say “thank you,” to offer a word of encouragement, or to lend a helping hand. When we live with a spirit of gratitude, it not only blesses us, but it also blesses those around us. It creates a ripple effect of positivity, kindness, and love that can make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
In conclusion, starting your day with gratitude for Jesus is one of the most powerful ways to set the tone for your day and to live a life that is centered on Him. It’s a choice that we can make every morning, a choice to focus on the goodness of God and to give thanks for the incredible gift of His Son. As you wake up each day, take a moment to thank Jesus for who He is and for all that He has done for you. Let that gratitude fill your heart, guide your actions, and shape your perspective. And as you do, you will find that your days are brighter, your burdens are lighter, and your life is filled with the peace, joy, and purpose that comes from knowing and following Jesus.
So tomorrow morning, when you open your eyes to a new day, start it with a prayer of gratitude. Start it by thanking Jesus for His love, His grace, and His presence in your life. Start it with a heart full of praise and a spirit that is ready to receive all the blessings that He has in store for you. And as you go through your day, let that gratitude shine through in everything you do. Jesus has given us so much to be thankful for—let’s make sure that we never take it for granted.
