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<v SPEAKER_00>Hey guys, it's M.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Shackelford.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Welcome back to day 17 of 21 Days of Prayer.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Today we're going to be talking about making room for gratitude, a heart that says thank you.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Our key passage today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5, 18.

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<v SPEAKER_00>It says, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Gratitude isn't just an emotion, it's a posture of the heart.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Scripture doesn't say give thanks for all circumstances, but in all circumstances.

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<v SPEAKER_00>That means thanksgiving is not dependent on what is happening around you, but on the God who dwells within you.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Life will hand us seasons we did not choose, whether it's loss, waiting, uncertainty, disappointment, and yet God invites us right there to give thanks.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Why?

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<v SPEAKER_00>Because thanksgiving shifts our focus.

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<v SPEAKER_00>It lifts our eyes from the problem and places them back on the promise keeper.

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<v SPEAKER_00>It reminds our soul that God is still present, still faithful, and still working even when we cannot see it.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Just like when Paul and Silas began to sing praises while imprisoned, they chose to make room for gratitude in a place where gratitude made no sense.

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<v SPEAKER_00>They worshipped in the dark, they praised while chained, they thanked God before the miracle came, and the miracle did come.

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<v SPEAKER_00>The chains broke, the doors opened, freedom rushed in.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Salvation came to the jailer and his family.

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<v SPEAKER_00>But notice this the miracle followed the praise.

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<v SPEAKER_00>It did not start with deliverance, but it started with gratitude.

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<v SPEAKER_00>A grateful heart is powerful.

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<v SPEAKER_00>It disarms fear, it quiets anxiety, it opens our eyes to what God is doing instead of what we feel he isn't doing yet.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Gratitude is a declaration of God, I trust you here.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Sometimes the most profound act of worship is whispering thank you through your tears, not because everything is perfect, but because he is.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Gratitude doesn't erase your grief, but it carries you through it.

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<v SPEAKER_00>This week, ask yourself if gratitude is a declaration of trust, what does my current level of gratitude reveal about where my trust is resting?

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<v SPEAKER_00>Let's pray.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Lord, give me a heart that chooses gratitude in every season.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Teach me to see your goodness even in the places that feel confusing or painful.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Let my thank you become an act of trust, a declaration of faith, and a reminder that you are near.

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<v SPEAKER_00>I believe you are working all things for my good, and I choose to thank you right here, right now.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Amen.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Love you, friends.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Can't wait to see you back here tomorrow for day 18 of 21 Days of Prayer.