I’m in the middle of an awesome trip through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and I keep catching myself doing the same thing over and over: stopping, staring, and quietly saying, “God… wow.”
I’ve had the privilege of seeing majestic mountains like the Grand Tetons, and wildlife including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, moose, bald eagles, and pronghorn antelope—for the first time in the wild.
These aren’t just “cool vacation moments.” They’ve stirred something deeper in me: a renewed appreciation for God’s creativity, power, and care.
And it hasn’t only been the scenery. Along the way I’ve met some wonderful people and deepened relationships with two close relatives I don’t get to interact with often. It’s reminded me that some of God’s best gifts aren’t things you can photograph—though you can definitely feel them.
Creation Has a Way of Re-centering Us
There’s something about wide open spaces, star-filled skies, and mountains that make you feel small—in a good way. Not “insignificant,” but “not in control,” and honestly… that’s freeing. It’s like creation gently pulls our attention away from the noise of life and points it back where it belongs.
When we see beauty we didn’t create, it’s a reminder:
- God is real and active.
- God is good and generous.
- God is still the Author of wonder.
And if God is that intentional with wildflowers, rivers, and mountain ranges, He can be trusted with the details of our lives too.
Rejoice—On Purpose
Philippians 4:4 says:
“Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, rejoice!”
That’s not a command to pretend everything is perfect. It’s an invitation to choose joy in the Lord—to practice praise as a discipline, not just a reaction.
Because the truth is, life gets heavy. Responsibilities pile up. Bad news happens. People disappoint us. Our minds drift toward what’s missing, what’s broken, what we wish was different.
But gratitude does something powerful: it pulls our eyes off the problem long enough to remember the Provider.
Why Praising and Thanking God Matters
Praising and thanking God isn’t just “nice” or “polite.” It changes us.
1) Gratitude keeps our hearts soft.
It’s hard to stay bitter when you’re actively remembering God’s kindness.
2) Gratitude re-trains our focus.
You start noticing gifts you used to overlook—breath in your lungs, food on the table, a friend who texts back, strength to get through the day.
3) Gratitude builds faith.
When you remember what God has done, it becomes easier to trust Him for what you’re facing now.
4) Gratitude honors God.
We don’t thank God because He’s insecure. We thank Him because He’s worthy—and because everything good ultimately traces back to Him.
What Do You Have to Be Thankful For?
Maybe you’re not traveling through the mountains. Maybe you’re in a busy season, or a hard season. But even then, there’s usually something good—sometimes big, sometimes small, sometimes quietly holding you together.
So here’s a gentle question to sit with today:
What is good in your life right now—because God has been faithful?
Simple Steps to Become More Thankful (Starting Today)
If gratitude doesn’t come naturally (and for many of us it doesn’t), here are a few practical ways to grow it:
1) Start a “Three Gifts” list
Every day, write down three things you’re thankful for. Keep it simple:
- a safe drive
- a good conversation
- a sunset
- a meal
- a verse that encouraged you
Consistency matters more than creativity.
2) Turn your thanks into praise
Instead of only writing “I’m thankful for ___,” try:
“God, thank You for ___, and for being ___.”
Example: “Thank You for safety today—and for being my Protector.”
3) Take a 60-second worship pause
Set a timer once a day and do one of these:
- thank God out loud
- pray a short prayer
- listen to a worship chorus
- read a Psalm (Psalm 103 is a great one)
4) Tell someone the good God has done
Gratitude grows when it’s shared. Send a quick message:
“God really encouraged me today through ___.”
You’ll bless someone else—and strengthen your own faith.
5) Practice gratitude in advance
This one is hard but powerful: thank God before you see the outcome.
“Lord, I trust You. Thank You that You’re with me and working even now.”
A Short Prayer
Thank you, Lord for the good things You’ve done in my life. Both for what I know and what is unseen.
Thank You for Your creation that reminds me of Your power and beauty, and for the people You’ve placed in my life.
Help me rejoice in You, not just when life is easy, but always. Teach my heart to notice Your gifts and to respond with praise. Amen.