A Prayer for Gratitude in Times of Abundance
By Heidi Vegh
Bible Reading
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Listen or Read Below:
Isn’t it the human condition to lean on God more in times of need than in times of abundance? Do you ever catch yourself praising God, petitioning God, and seeking God when you are in need, but then as soon as times become a little smoother, your seeking slows down or sometimes even stops? We all need to ask for forgiveness for times like these. God doesn’t want our relationship with Him to be conditional. He wants our hearts all the time, no matter what. Paul implores us to lean into Jesus in plenty and want.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:12-13
So, how do we remember to thank God when things are good and life is abundant? We practice prayer and spend time with God every day, no matter what. When we get into a healthy habit of spending time with the Lord daily, we learn to pray about the hard things. On some days when life seems calm, we can spend our time thanking Him for all He has done and for all of the blessings in our lives.
God is not conditional. He loves us fully and completely, all the time, no matter what. He loves us the same when things are hard and the same when things are easy. He loves us when we mess up, and He loves us when we do something right. Our love and relationship with God shouldn’t be conditional, either. I am sure it grieves His heart when He blesses us abundantly, and those are the times we choose to allow complacency and comfort to take over in our quiet time with Him. Let us strive to be people who seek the Lord all the time. All of our days.
"One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." - Psalm 27:4
Let us be people who seek God daily with our full hearts, no matter what is swirling around us. God loves to give children good gifts and lavish on us. Sometimes, that is manifested in earthly things, and sometimes, it is behind the scenes that we can’t see. If we position our hearts to lean on God in every circumstance, we will sense His presence and faithfulness, no matter what—good times and hard times.
Let’s Pray:
God, you are so good. Your blessings are abundant in my life. Not only because I feel a sense of calm today but also because you have worked so miraculously through all of the hard times. You have kept your promise never to leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5), and I can see your hand, which has been steady through all the turbulence of my life. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your provision. Thank you that I can trust you when times are hard. Thank you for working even when things look chaotic. I pray that I can remember to put you first every day.
Please help me carve out quiet time to spend reading your Word and listening to your voice. Even when I am living in abundance, you still speak to me. Please speak and show me what I need to know. My life is in your hands, Lord. I want to acknowledge you in all my ways so that you will make my path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Lead me and guide me away from things that are destructive and help me to spend time in places that build you up and bring glory to your name.
Please build my spiritual muscles as I spend time with you daily, no matter what. Pour the truth of your abundant character into my heart so that I am built up enough to handle life when it becomes hard again. Forgive me for ever being lukewarm or allowing my time with you to waiver when things are good. Please bless me all the days of my life.
Thank you for all that you are and all that you do. In your precious name, we pray. Amen
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AaronAmat
Heidi Vegh is a writer, speaker, and ministry leader based in Western Washington. A remarried mother of four, she is navigating blended family life after losing her first husband to cancer in 2013. Through her writing and speaking, Heidi encourages those who have experienced loss, offering hope and practical guidance for the journey toward healing and renewed life.
She is the author of The Hard Journey to the Good: A Widow’s Journey from Loss to New Life, a heartfelt account of grief, faith, and rebuilding after devastating loss, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
You can find Heidi at her website mrsheidivegh.com where she shares devotionals and reflections on grief, healing, motherhood, faith, and the beauty and complexity of blended family life through her monthly newsletter. She holds a degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and serves as Ministry Director at her local church, where she is passionate about helping women grow in faith and experience the transforming love of Jesus.
You can find her on Instagram @mrsheidivegh and SubStack: https://substack.com/
Related Resource: When Life Unravels: Biblical Strategies for Hard Seasons
Few challenges stretch a parent’s faith and emotional reserves more than life’s unexpected curveball seasons—the plot twists that leave you wondering, “God, what are you doing?” How do you remain anchored in truth when the bottom drops out?
This week on Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes back her very first guest and trusted friend, Dr. Erin Barry, to help parents not only survive, but find hope and stability in life’s most turbulent moments. Dr. Barry is a clinical Christian counselor, author, homeschool expert, and co-founder of inseparableLives.com. Her biblically grounded wisdom comes from over 30 years of walking families through the storms of life.
In this transparent and practical episode, Catherine gets real about her own season of loss, uncertainty, and a series of shocking life upheavals—from parenting a prodigal, to family moves, to sudden job loss. Using these stories as a backdrop, Dr. Barry unpacks essential biblical strategies for clinging to faith and finding stability when life feels out of control. If this episode helps you be a more thoughtful parent, be sure to follow Christian Parent, Crazy World on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Thursday, 21 November 2024.
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