Thankful for Small, Overlooked Gifts

Gratitude is a practice — one that requires slowing down and intentionally noticing God’s presence in both the big and small moments of life. In our nightly prayer and devotional, we reflect on the fact that while we often thank God for obvious blessings — our families, jobs, or church communities — we can easily overlook the quiet, everyday gifts that reveal His goodness just as powerfully. Angie Grant shares how keeping a gratitude journal by her bedside has helped her cultivate awareness of God’s faithfulness. Each night, she recounts small but meaningful moments: her grandchildren’s laughter, a walk to the mailbox, or a sunset after a long day. These may seem simple, but they are reminders that God’s hand is always at work, painting beauty into the ordinary. James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God — not just the big, life-changing blessings, but also the gentle reminders of His nearness woven into our daily routines. When we pause long enough to notice, our perspective shifts. The rush slows. Our hearts quiet. We begin to see God’s fingerprints on everything. Even in hard seasons, when reflection feels more difficult, gratitude helps us reorient our hearts. God never stops being good — even when we struggle to see it. His faithfulness is both grand and intimate, steady and personal. Slowing down to thank Him for the small, overlooked gifts keeps our hearts tender and our spirits rooted in His presence. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”— James 1:17 MAIN TAKEAWAYS Gratitude must be practiced with intention, not reserved for the obvious blessings. Every good thing — big or small — comes from God’s generous hand. Slowing down helps us recognize how God is actively at work in our everyday lives. Gratitude realigns our focus and helps us experience peace and joy in every season. God’s faithfulness is constant; He reveals His goodness in countless daily ways. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES James 1:17 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Jesus,Thank You for all the ways You’ve been at work in my life today. Thank You for the quiet blessings — the ones I might have overlooked. Help me slow down long enough to recognize Your hand in every detail and to cherish Your goodness in both the big and small things. May gratitude fill my heart and shape my words tonight as I rest in Your unchanging faithfulness.In Jesus’ name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON Where did I see God’s fingerprints today?Reflect on the moments where His presence was quietly evident. How can I slow down and be more intentional about noticing God’s goodness, even in difficult seasons?Consider starting or revisiting a gratitude journal. How might God want to use me to be part of someone else’s moment of gratitude?Look for opportunities to be a blessing in someone’s ordinary day. CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer for nightly encouragement and spiritual reflection. Visit LifeAudio.com for more faith-based devotionals and podcasts. Share tonight’s reflection with someone who could use a reminder to notice God’s small, everyday blessings. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.