(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Lord, none of Your commands are random. Every word You speak has a specific and intentional reason. Sometimes, through Your Holy Spirit, we discover those meanings; other times, they remain unseen. Still, despite our finite understanding, You call us to obedience and trust. Because of Your trustworthiness and faithfulness, You tell us to embrace the mystery. With the command to “be thankful,” though, that’s not necessarily the case. In Your grace and love, You’ve shown us the clear and powerful benefits of “always giving thanks”—of why gratitude is part of Your perfect plan. When we’re thankful—when we focus on what’s good and true—You begin to replace our anxiety with peace. You trade our grumbling for rejoicing. You exchange our sadness for joy. Father, ___ is struggling right now to see past their sadness and frustration. In his deception, the Enemy is trying to convince ___ that they have nothing for which to be grateful. Lord, in light of Your goodness and mercy, fill ___’s mind with all of Your blessings and provision. Remind ___ of every good thing in their life—every “good and perfect gift from above.” Bring to mind their family, their friends, their resources—and above all, Your power, control, and love. Out of that gratitude, Father, restore goodness, joy, and delight in ___’s life. Use Your command to ___ as a tool for bringing about the full life to which You call them. Amen.