Ephesians 5:20

Ephesians 5:20 ”And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Devotional:

Gratitude is easy when life flows smoothly. When prayers are answered, relationships are healthy, and joy comes naturally. But Paul’s words here challenge us to a deeper, unwavering gratitude. The kind that remains anchored in Christ, regardless of circumstances.

To “give thanks always” is not to pretend that everything is perfect, but to recognize that God is still good even when life is not. True thanksgiving is not based on how we feel, it’s based on who God is.

When we give thanks “for everything”, we are trusting that even the confusing or painful moments are not wasted. Gratitude in difficulty is an act of faith, not denial. It declares, “God, I trust that You are working all things for my good even when I don’t see it yet.”

And we do this “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”, not in our own strength, but through Him. Jesus, who gave thanks before breaking bread at the Last Supper, knowing He was about to suffer, models a kind of gratitude that transcends circumstance.

Personal Reflection:

• Do I choose gratitude even when I don’t understand what God is doing?

• What does my gratitude (or lack of it) reveal about my trust in God’s sovereignty?

• Are there specific areas of life (health, finances, relationships, faith) where I struggle to be thankful?
• What simple gratitude practice could I build into my daily routine? (e.g., gratitude journal, prayer walk, verbal praise)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for who You are, for Your love, and for Your constant presence in my life. I praise You not only for the blessings I see, but for the unseen ways You are working behind the scenes. Help me to be someone who gives thanks always, not just when things are easy or when prayers are answered the way I expect.

Teach me to trust You more deeply, even when I don’t understand my circumstances. Give me the kind of faith that can say, “Thank You, Lord,” in both the sunshine and the storm. Help me to recognize Your hand in the ordinary moments and Your purpose in the painful ones.

Let thanksgiving flow from my life, not just in words, but in how I live, love, and worship You.

In Jesus mighty name,

Amen