A Prayer for a Grateful Heart
By Christine F. Perry
Bible Reading
“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Philippians 2:14 NKJV
Listen or Read Below
The beginning of 2022 was going to be my year. I had recently landed a writing job I had only dreamed of, found a church community, and started dating after years of waiting.
Then, in the Fall of that same year, the bottom fell out. I was let go from my job, and my relationship ended. I felt crushed, hurt, and confused. Why would God allow these things only to take them away? It felt harsh.
During that time, I started freelancing. I was barely making it. I remember praying for nearly every bill, “Lord, You have to provide. I need Your help to trust You.” He faithfully met every need. Sometimes, the provision arrived within hours of me needing it.
In the midst of the hardship, the Lord revealed the entitlement and idols in my heart. Had the relationship continued, the entitlement and pride in my heart would have destroyed it. I felt I deserved these things. God was actually allowing my life to be wrecked in order to save it.
My hope was in my circumstances — a job and a relationship. It wasn’t in the Lord. It felt like the Lord halted my life. I had to take one day at a time regarding work and the healing that needed to happen in my heart. Then a thought came to mind: “What do I want to remember about this season when I look back on it?”
I thought about it for a while. I realized I wanted to remember that it was a season of worship and thanksgiving. I created a playlist of worship songs during that season, and to this day, it reminds me of God’s kindness and faithfulness.
The Lord taught me to give thanks for everything: every freelance job that came in, every time I got to connect with friends, every moment I got to spend with my family, every second I got to spend with my Savior. It reminded me that everything I have is a gift from Him. I did nothing to deserve it. He can take it away at any time. My life is His, and He can do as He sees fit. This life is not about me. It’s about Him. And He deserves all the praise, honor, glory, and gratitude!
Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being a good Father. Thank You for everything You have allowed us to have and to hold. Thank You for the breath in our lungs and the beats in our hearts. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for dying for us. Thank You for being with us in the good times and the bad, and for never forsaking us. Lord, we do not deserve to even speak to You, yet You say You bend Your ear to listen.
Father, please give us hearts of worship and thanksgiving. Help the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing to You (Psalm 19:14). We love You. Please make us more like You.
Amen!
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional spoke to you on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Milan Markovic
Christine is just a lady who was given the gift of being raised in an incredible family. For reasons unknown to her, God has blessed her with an amazing life full of beautiful friendships, remarkable experiences, and a love from Him that is completely underserved. She desires to encourage others and share hope as we journey through the highs and lows of life. Christine is the author of How I Met Peace and For the Weary Life Traveler, a 31-day devotional. Check out more of Christine's work at her website: Learning to be fearless and her Patreon.
Want More Encouragement for Your Day?
Story Behind is a Christian podcast sharing true stories of God at work in the lives of ordinary people: from answered prayers and unexpected miracles to everyday heroes, extraordinary courage, and the good news happening in our world today.
Each episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the remarkable people, moments, and circumstances behind these stories. Discover how God is moving through people, families, and communities, and find hope in the places you might least expect it.
Originally published Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
SHARE
